WASHINGTON, July 6 -– The Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU) General Board approved the submission of a merger agreement with the Teamsters Union to their membership for a rank-and-file vote on June 30.
The GCIU’s 70,000 members in the United States and Canada contribute in all aspects of the printing and publishing industry.
“The GCIU is a great union with a proud history,” said Jim Hoffa, General President of the Teamsters. “Like the GCIU, the Teamsters believe that the pooling of resources of our two unions is the best path to a stronger future for labor.”
The GCIU would become a Conference within the Teamsters Union, and, in general, continue to be governed by its current Constitution and Laws.
“We believe this is a positive step for the GCIU,” said George Tedeschi, President of the GCIU. “By merging with the Teamsters, we will acquire the resources and strength of a 1.4 million member organization. This will help our members at the bargaining table, in organizing and in the political arena.”
The approval of a merger agreement by the GCIU Board follows the recent merger of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen with the Teamsters, and takes place at the same time as the Brotherhood of Maintenance and Way Employees is considering a merger with the Teamsters.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States and Canada.