Teamsters President Sean O'Brien | This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von

Sean O'Brien: Teamsters President

• The guest, Sean O'Brien, is the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a fourth-generation Teamster from Boston, and has new tour dates in various cities across the US (0s).
• Sean O'Brien shares his story and background, including working in a construction yard in Boston and moving up the ranks to become a shop steward and business agent for Local 25 (55s).
• The Teamsters Union started out with traditional trucking and horse-drawn carriages and has evolved to represent various professions, including airline pilots, zookeepers, and UPS workers (2m2s).
• The union has 1.3 million members nationwide and in Canada, with UPS being their largest employer, representing 340,000 Teamsters (2m20s).
• The name "Teamsters" originated from the teams of horses used for transportation in the early days (2m42s).
• Sean O'Brien is the first president in his family, with his family members being rank-and-file members who worked in the union (3m3s).

The Teamsters Union: History and Evolution

• The Teamsters Union started out with traditional trucking and horse-drawn carriages and has evolved to represent various professions, including airline pilots, zookeepers, and UPS workers (2m2s).
• The union has 1.3 million members nationwide and in Canada, with UPS being their largest employer, representing 340,000 Teamsters (2m20s).
• The name "Teamsters" originated from the teams of horses used for transportation in the early days (2m42s).

The Teamsters Union: Membership and Representation

• The union has 1.3 million members nationwide and in Canada, with UPS being their largest employer, representing 340,000 Teamsters (2m20s).
• The name "Teamsters" originated from the teams of horses used for transportation in the early days (2m42s).
• Sean O'Brien is the first president in his family, with his family members being rank-and-file members who worked in the union (3m3s).
• The Teamsters Union represents working people, collectively bargaining for their members, protecting them in the workplace, and organizing workers who want to be unionized (3m25s).

Unions and the American Workplace

• Unions, including the Teamsters, are responsible for establishing the 40-hour work week, overtime, and the weekend, benefiting both union and non-union workers (3m57s).
• There is a discussion about a campaign promise from President Trump regarding untaxed overtime pay for weekend work, but it is noted that such promises do not always come to fruition. (4m23s)
• Unions are credited with building the middle class and America, but there has been a decline due to big business and private equity interests overshadowing the contributions of unions. (4m45s)

The Decline of Union Influence

• The decline in union influence is partly attributed to deregulation in the 1980s, specifically in the trucking industry, which led to significant job losses and financial impacts on pension funds. (5m2s)
• Deregulation allowed companies to set their own rates, leading to a competitive "race to the bottom" that harmed the industry over several decades. (5m28s)
• There is a perception of increased corporate greed, with corporations focusing solely on their financial bottom lines, and a corruptible political system that has shifted traditional party roles regarding support for working people. (5m47s)

Corporate Greed and Political Corruption

• There is an opportunity to organize and expose corporate greed, with Amazon identified as a major opponent due to its use of independent contractors, contrasting with UPS, where drivers are direct employees with better pay and benefits. (6m29s)
• UPS drivers, after a four-year progression, earn nearly $50 an hour with full medical benefits and a pension, whereas Amazon drivers, as independent contractors, earn significantly less. (6m50s)

Amazon vs. UPS: A Case Study

• There is an opportunity to organize and expose corporate greed, with Amazon identified as a major opponent due to its use of independent contractors, contrasting with UPS, where drivers are direct employees with better pay and benefits. (6m29s)
• UPS drivers, after a four-year progression, earn nearly $50 an hour with full medical benefits and a pension, whereas Amazon drivers, as independent contractors, earn significantly less. (6m50s)

Unionizing Amazon Workers

• A discussion highlights the challenges of unionizing workers at companies like Amazon, which often use an independent contractor model to avoid classifying workers as employees. (8m26s)
• A recent legal victory in California recognized Amazon as a joint employer, exposing their control over third-party companies and enabling efforts to organize workers. (8m47s)
• The Teamsters Union is actively organizing workers by striking for recognition and obtaining authorization cards, aiming to unionize 300,000 people, including Amazon delivery drivers. (9m6s)
• Despite lacking deep financial resources, the Teamsters Union is committed to setting industry standards through contract negotiations and demonstrating the benefits of union membership. (9m38s)
• The union seeks to change public perception and combat the influence of tech companies that avoid traditional employer responsibilities, criticizing politicians for being influenced by these companies. (10m38s)

The Teamsters Union: Financial Strength and Strategy

• The organization is financially secure, with a $400 million strike and defense fund, which allows it to support long-term strikes and defend against threats. This financial stability is funded by member dues. (11m23s)

The Longshoremen's Strike

• The longshoremen are currently on strike, spanning from Maine to Texas, due to their contract expiration. Their last contract was settled in October 2018. (12m15s)
• During the pandemic, longshoremen continued to work, providing essential goods and services despite the risks, and some lost their lives or suffered long-term health effects. (12m48s)
• The strike is partly due to the significant profits made by shipping lines during the pandemic, and the longshoremen are seeking fair compensation for their contributions. (13m21s)
• There is criticism online suggesting that the strike could drive up inflation and cause supply chain issues, but the focus is on holding corporations accountable for not rewarding the workers. (13m30s)
• A major threat to longshoremen is the automation of ports, as seen in China, which could eliminate jobs in this legacy industry that provides middle-class employment. (13m57s)
• The strike is portrayed as a result of shipping lines not protecting jobs or rewarding workers, rather than the workers choosing to strike. (14m24s)
• The ILA strike is partly over the fear of automation, which is a huge threat to the ILA, as well as the issue of corporations not sharing their massive profits with the people who have made it happen (14m45s).
• Longshoremen may make $140,000 a year, but they start at $20 per hour and often work 70-80 hours per week, leaving little quality time for their families, and the income doesn't go far with expenses like college, mortgages, and raising children (15m19s).
• There is a need to close the gap between CEO pay and the pay of workers like longshoremen (15m50s).

Automation and the Future of Work

• The value of technology to society is questioned, as it may lead to a society where people are replaced by robots, killing the part of society that values work and supporting families (16m0s).
• The consequences of technology are not always realized, and people are often just products of their environment, with hardworking parents influencing their aspirations (16m46s).
• While technology is relevant and coming, there is still value in human brains and instincts, and there should be opportunities to create jobs as a result of technology (17m9s).
• The advancement of technology may eventually lead to job loss for those who currently work with robots, highlighting the need to slow down and find opportunities to keep jobs and give people a fair chance (17m32s).

The Dangers of Technology

• As a country, there is a lack of consideration for the damage caused by technology, such as the potential risks of autonomous vehicles (17m57s).
• A catastrophic accident occurred involving a truck driver who was distracted while driving, and upon investigation, it was found that the driver had other windows open on his browser and was also using VR goggles to watch explicit content (18m13s).
• The topic of a shorter work week and giving proceeds from automation to workers was discussed, as Bernie Sanders had previously talked about it, suggesting that workers should benefit from automation since they have contributed to its development (18m47s).

The 32-Hour Work Week Proposal

• Bernie Sanders is committed to working-class people and has proposed legislation to establish a standard 32-hour work week with no loss of pay, citing that American workers are over 400% more productive than they were in the 1940s (19m50s).
• The idea of a 32-hour work week is not radical, especially considering the increased productivity due to automation, but the reality is that many workers have to work 50 or 60 hours a week and rely on overtime (20m25s).
• The goal should be to create jobs as a result of technology being implemented, not destroy them, and fighting for this is essential (20m38s).

Sponsorships

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The Longshoremen's Strike: A Deeper Look

• The longshore strike is not the fault of the longshore workers, but rather the shipping company's fault, and the strike could end quickly if the shipping lines give the members what they deserve and demand (23m59s)
• The media often creates scenarios that blame the workers or portray the strike as a political stunt, but the contract expired two days ago and it just happens to be in an election year (24m18s)
• The Teamsters are working hard to close the disparity between the common man and the wealthy, with strong contracts and negotiations, including a big battle with United Airlines (25m21s)
• The Teamsters are telling politicians to stay out of their business and let them do their thing, and they believe that if left alone, the strike will end one way or the other (25m41s)

The Teamsters Union: Advocacy and Representation

• The focus of the union is to advocate for working people by securing better wages, benefits, and respect in the workplace. (25m57s)
• The Teamsters Union is highlighted as a group that is not about royalty but about representing and fighting for the rights of workers. (26m36s)

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

• There is a humorous mention of the appearance and activities of people from Boston, with a light-hearted comment about the Teamsters logo. (26m48s)
• The conversation touches on the idea of a union having a baseball league, with a mention of the Boston Red Sox and their recent performance. (27m26s)
• Kraft is mentioned as a unionized paper company based in Boston or Worcester, and it is noted that the Kraft family is active in the community, although they are not the same family associated with the New England Patriots. (27m40s)
• A personal anecdote is shared about attending a fishing tournament organized by Randy Moss when he was with the Minnesota Vikings, which took place on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. (28m37s)
• During a fishing trip, there was a humorous incident where someone had to relieve themselves off the side of the boat due to a lack of facilities, and they jokingly referred to the experience as a "redneck bidet" (29m1s).
• The conversation touched on the negative effects of drinking Jägermeister, humorously describing it as a form of "terrorism" against humanity (29m55s).

Harold Daggett and the Dock Workers' Strike

• Harold Daggett, a leader of dock workers, was praised for his strong leadership and willingness to take heat for his actions (30m17s).
• Daggett emphasized the significant contributions of dock workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting that while others stayed home, his men continued working and faced health risks (30m45s).
• Daggett expressed a desire for fair compensation for the workers' efforts during the pandemic, stating that if necessary, they would strike to achieve their demands (31m16s).
• A potential strike by dock workers was discussed, which would involve shutting down ports and significantly impacting the supply chain, but it was seen as a necessary short-term pain for long-term gain (31m47s).
• The importance of fighting for workers' rights was underscored, with an acknowledgment of the role of union leaders in advocating for their members (32m11s).

Automation and Job Losses

• The union president notes that automation has a human cost, citing the example of self-checkout lanes in grocery stores, which can lead to job losses (33m16s).
• He personally refuses to use self-checkout lanes and recalls an incident where an older lady working at a grocery store told him to use the self-checkout, but he explained to her that doing so would put her out of a job (33m47s).
• The union president believes that if people were in unions with good jobs and pensions, they would not have to work late into their 70s (34m50s).
• He notes that the older lady in question was likely having a bad night and may have been out of touch with the reality of the situation (34m36s).
• The union president jokingly speculates that the older lady may have spent her money on tattoos, scratch tickets, and other vices (35m14s).

Childhood Memories and Anecdotes

• He recalls a past promotion where people could earn rewards, such as a Camel Joe jacket, by collecting miles from cigarette packs (35m21s).
• A childhood memory is shared about a kid named Mike Lazaro who drank a lot of Pepsi to collect prizes from the caps, and by the time he was 15, he had dentures (35m46s).
• The prizes that could be won from the Pepsi caps are recalled, including a gift certificate, a Swiss army knife, a neck brace, and a ventilator (36m5s).
• A commercial featuring a man smoking through a hole in his throat is mentioned, and it is noted that the man's condition is a result of smoking (36m45s).
• A story is shared about a kid named Mario who lived down the street and would make the narrator bury his feces in the yard, which is likened to a subcontracted workout (37m48s).
• The narrator notes that they did over 112 burials for Mario over the course of a year and that Mario later died in a boating accident (37m59s).
• The narrator jokes that if they were in a union, they could have gone after Mario for retro pay (38m28s).
• It is mentioned that Mario's yard won "yard of the month" and that the narrator contributed to this achievement (38m41s).
• The point is made that people often don't think about the people doing jobs behind the scenes and that those workers deserve recognition (38m58s).

UPS Part-Time Workers and Negotiations

• UPS, a Fortune 500 company with 340,000 employees, had 53-54% of its workforce as part-timers who were previously earning $15 per hour. These workers, including single mothers, played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping the supply chain moving. (39m8s)
• After negotiations, part-time workers at UPS now start at $21 per hour and receive full medical benefits and pensions. This change was achieved through persistent efforts to highlight the disparity between the company's profits and the workers' wages. (40m5s)
• The challenges faced in negotiations are attributed to a combination of corporate America and politicians from both parties, who are perceived as prioritizing financial interests over workers' welfare. (40m35s)
• Criticism is directed at both Democrats and Republicans, with the assertion that the Democratic Party, traditionally seen as the party of the working class, is influenced by big tech companies. Meanwhile, Republicans are positioning themselves as the party for the working class. (41m30s)

Criticism of Democrats and Republicans

• Criticism is directed at both Democrats and Republicans, with the assertion that the Democratic Party, traditionally seen as the party of the working class, is influenced by big tech companies. Meanwhile, Republicans are positioning themselves as the party for the working class. (41m30s)
• A heated discussion occurred with Senator Chuck Schumer, highlighting frustrations with politicians who accept financial contributions but fail to deliver tangible benefits for union members. (42m4s)
• The Teamsters Union has historically endorsed a presidential candidate, but this is one of the first times in 30 years that they haven't done so, with the previous instances being in 1976 and 1996. (42m47s)
• In 1996, the union didn't endorse a candidate because they had endorsed Bill Clinton in 1992, who then created NAFTA, resulting in job losses for many union members. (42m57s)
• Politicians are often beholden to big money and special interests rather than working-class people, with the example given of California Governor Gavin Newsom being "bought and paid for" by big tech. (43m35s)
• The Teamsters Union had supported Governor Newsom during his recall election, but he later vetoed protections against artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and companies like Uber and Lyft. (43m58s)
• The union represents 1.3 million members and wants a return on their investment in politicians, expecting them to support issues that protect jobs and promote unionization. (44m21s)

Governor Newsom's Veto of Autonomous Truck Bill

• California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have effectively banned autonomous trucks in the state, which was supported by the Teamsters. (45m14s)
• The vetoed bill, Assembly Bill 22286, would have prohibited the operation of autonomous vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more on public roads without a human safety operator present. (45m24s)
• A discussion highlights the presence of an aftermarket R2D2-like device that was used to sell ice cream, which was attacked by a group of people, raising concerns about the security of such devices. (45m57s)
• It is noted that 35 jurisdictions, including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia, have authorized the testing of heavy-duty autonomous vehicles, while California remains the only state actively prohibiting them. (46m22s)
• California's prohibition is significant due to its large agricultural sector and major ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach, which are not on strike but are under a different union, the ILWU. (46m45s)
• There is a call for politicians to remember that they work for their constituents, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation to achieve progressive legislation. (47m8s)
• The Teamsters Union issued a statement criticizing a new veto, highlighting that the majority of Californians oppose unregulated, unaccountable driverless cars and trucks on the road. (47m51s)
• Concerns are raised about public safety and accountability with the rise of autonomous vehicles, suggesting that it could lead to a world dominated by robots if politicians are not held accountable. (48m16s)

The Teamsters Union's Decision Not to Endorse a Presidential Candidate

• The Teamsters union has 1.3 million members and prides itself on transparency and inclusiveness, considering the perspectives of its members when making decisions (49m15s).
• The union brought in every single presidential candidate, including Dr. Cornel West, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris, for a roundtable discussion with 8-10 rank-and-file members from various parts of the country and with different political affiliations (49m52s).
• The union asked specific questions and then conducted polling, including straw polling in union halls, electronic polling with a QR code that had over 40,000 members participate, and scientific-based polling using a Democratic pollster (50m17s).
• The results of the polling showed that the only poll favorable to Biden was the straw poll in the union halls, which had Biden at 44% and Trump at 38%, while the other polls were 60-62% in favor of Trump (50m40s).
• Despite Biden being great for unions and working people, the reality is that he dropped out of the race, and the union has to consider the opinions of its members, who are both Democratic and Republican (51m2s).
• The union's decision not to endorse a candidate was met with attacks from both the Democratic left and the Republican right, with the speaker noting that they have to represent both Democratic and Republican members (51m22s).
• The union's polling data showed that members backed Biden 44% to Trump's 36.3%, which is more lopsided than usual, but still not as high as the expected 80% (52m27s).
• The union's decision not to endorse a candidate was likely influenced by the polling results, which showed a more divided membership than expected (52m16s).
• Union meetings typically attract supporters who are likely to vote or follow recommendations, and there is a sense of community among members, even humorously noting that children dress up as tradespeople for Halloween. (52m39s)
• The Teamsters Union has a tradition of not endorsing a presidential candidate until after both the Republican and Democratic conventions have concluded. (53m19s)
• The Teamsters Union requested to speak at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, but only received a response from the Republican National Convention. (53m46s)
• Despite the discomfort, the union took the opportunity to highlight American workers at the Republican National Convention and expressed a desire to do the same at the Democratic National Convention, although they were not given the chance. (54m10s)
• After conducting scientific polling and discussions, the Teamsters' general executive board, consisting of 24 leaders, decided not to endorse a presidential candidate, allowing local unions to make their own endorsements. (54m30s)

The Importance of the Right to Strike

• The union is focused on securing the right to strike, especially in light of past experiences with the Railway Labor Act, where Congress can impose contracts, as happened under the Biden administration. (55m42s)
• The government will intervene and implement a contract if negotiations under the Railway Labor Act (RLA) fail, which is why it's crucial to have a commitment from both sides to support the right to strike, especially in industries like airlines and railroads that fall under the RLA (56m8s).
• The right to strike is not guaranteed in all industries, but it's essential for certain sectors, and commitments from candidates on this issue were not strong, particularly from the Republican side (56m43s).
• One candidate was stronger on supporting the right to organize and collective bargaining agreements, but there was no strong commitment from the Republican side on vetoing national right-to-work laws (56m47s).
• Candidates were given questions in advance, but some failed to answer or went around the questions, which was seen as an attempt to lie or tell the questioners what they wanted to hear (57m9s).
• The union members are not naive and can see through attempts to deceive them, and the union will defend its actions and decisions, even if it means going against politicians who claim to support them but fail to follow through (57m46s).
• The union is prepared to fight and will not be intimidated by personal attacks or threats, and it will cut off funding to those who do not support its members (58m7s).
• The union controls commerce in the country and is powerful, but it would rather fight Corporate America than deal with politicians who make empty promises (58m23s).
• Some politicians claim to support unions but fail to follow through, such as not signing support letters for UPS workers during negotiations, which suggests they are afraid of losing campaign contributions from big corporations (58m48s).
• The union values transparency and consistency in politicians, who should be honest about their relationships with big corporations and not make empty promises to unions (59m14s).
• Clear intentions are emphasized, with a focus on achieving specific goals for members and warning of consequences if agreements are not honored. (59m18s)

Sponsorships

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Political Commentary and the Decision Not to Endorse

• There is skepticism about government or CIA actions potentially using leverage for political purposes, and a decision has been made not to endorse any political candidates to maintain a strong position. (1h2m46s)
• The country provides the greatest freedoms in the world, allowing people to express their opinions without fear of retribution, but it's a disgrace that people are not taking care of workers and communities, and instead, are personally attacking each other (1h3m35s).
• Many union members work 50 to 60 hours per week, and life and family balance do not exist in certain industries, which is why they are fighting to negotiate contracts that limit overtime and forced work (1h4m45s).
• There are still many workers who are hurting and living paycheck to paycheck, and it's a shame that money is being given out left and right without taking care of workers and people in need (1h5m6s).
• Some workers, like delivery drivers, are not even getting paid per mile, and it's essential to think about who's making the money and who's doing the work (1h5m35s).
• Hundreds of Amazon delivery drivers in Queens, New York, have joined the Teamsters, which is exciting and shows a surge of momentum (1h5m51s).
• Strikes can be an effective way to send a strong message to employers that workers are united and strong, and they can have a positive effect on disruption, but they are not easy and require fighting and standing up for what's right (1h6m8s).
• The Amazon workers who joined the Teamsters have courageous conviction, and their actions serve as a great litmus test for the strength of the group (1h6m37s).
• Organizing Amazon workers has been a priority for the past few years, with efforts being made nationwide to make this a reality. The goal is to send a strong message to corporations like Amazon and DHL about who is actually in charge. (1h6m44s)

Technology's Negative Impact on Society

• There is a sentiment that technology has taken away valuable aspects of life, affecting society and children negatively. Some countries, like Poland, are noted for standing up for their beliefs and moral values, which is seen as admirable. (1h7m30s)
• The ability to memorize phone numbers has diminished due to technological advancements, such as smartphones, which have made it unnecessary to remember numbers. This reflects a broader trend of society becoming overly reliant on technology. (1h8m4s)
• There is nostalgia for older technologies like payphones and beepers, which allowed for more privacy and anonymity. The ability to hide from people and not be constantly reachable is missed. (1h9m4s)
• The idea of sharing one's location through technology is viewed as invasive, and there is a preference for maintaining privacy. The notion of being tracked by parents or others through social media is considered undesirable. (1h9m17s)
• The widespread use of social media has made it difficult for people to lie without getting caught, as individuals often inadvertently reveal their true activities online. (1h10m1s)
• There is a sentiment that the moral fabric of society is dissolving, with a decline in religious influence and a lack of moral standards, as business and greed take precedence. (1h10m50s)
• Acts of desecration, such as burning the American flag, are highlighted as examples of moral decline, despite being legally permissible. There is a call to return to basic values and respect for national symbols. (1h11m25s)
• Expressing patriotism, such as displaying the American flag, is sometimes perceived as aligning with far-right ideologies, which is seen as a divisive tactic by the media. (1h12m36s)
• The removal of the Pledge of Allegiance from schools is mentioned as a factor contributing to a lack of national unity and a sense of belonging, leading individuals to prioritize self-interest over collective identity. (1h13m2s)
• There is a discussion about the pride and respect people should have for their country, acknowledging that while the nation has flaws, the real enemy is not fellow citizens but rather corporate America and corrupt politicians. (1h13m24s)
• It is noted that the perception of the enemy has shifted from foreign countries to internal issues, with leaders being in debt to those who do not care about the country's morals. (1h14m10s)
• There is a hope expressed for finding a solution to these problems, with a determination to change things. (1h14m48s)

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

• A humorous exchange occurs about a phrase interpreted in a Boston context, involving a playful mention of giving someone a "swift kick" and incorporating a canoli reference. (1h15m2s)
• A local bakery, Bova's Bakery, is mentioned as a popular spot in the North End of Boston, known for its canolis and late-night operation, with colorful descriptions of the people and atmosphere there. (1h15m38s)
• A humorous anecdote is shared about two individuals fighting, with one having an apple pie slammed into his throat, and a nearby bakery is praised for its quality products, including cannoli and Whoopi pies. (1h16m50s)
• A personal story is mentioned about a son with type one diabetes, highlighting the importance of sugar in managing his condition, and a joke is made comparing diabetes to "liabetes" in politicians. (1h17m37s)
• The discussion touches on the idea of needing rescue from one's own country due to internal issues, emphasizing the need for self-reliance and addressing greed as a significant problem. (1h18m10s)

The Importance of Unions and Healthcare

• The importance of inclusiveness and transparency in union leadership is highlighted, with leaders actively engaging with rank-and-file members across various industries to maintain unity. (1h18m35s)
• The union's focus is on representing workers and negotiating the best contracts, being visible, transparent, and honest, which has led to success and empowerment of its members. (1h19m9s)
• It is argued that every worker should be part of a union to ensure access to benefits like employer-paid healthcare and pensions, which are seen as part of the American dream. (1h19m53s)
• Many workers, especially union members, are disadvantaged due to rising healthcare costs, which can offset any salary increases they may receive, essentially making their raises worthless (1h20m22s).
• Some unions, such as 32BJ SEIU, have members paying up to 37% of their compensation towards healthcare costs, with members spending millions towards their premium payments (1h20m47s).
• In contrast, many Teamsters members do not pay anything towards their health insurance premiums, as the employers are demanded to pay the full cost during negotiations (1h21m20s).
• However, there are some industries, such as the public sector, where employees may pay a certain percentage towards their premiums, but the union negotiates to minimize these costs (1h21m30s).
• The goal is to achieve zero to low-cost healthcare for members, as providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Kaiser make significant profits while acting as vendors to the union (1h21m52s).
• The increasing healthcare costs can lead to situations where workers, even with wage increases, end up losing money due to higher premiums, which is seen as part of a larger scam (1h22m33s).
• This issue affects essential workers, such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers, who risk their lives and deserve better support and affordable healthcare (1h22m55s).

The Importance of Contracts and Unionization

• The importance of having a contract between workers and employers is emphasized, as it provides guarantees such as wage increases, healthcare, job security, respect, holidays, and vacations. Without a contract, there are no such guarantees. (1h25m0s)
• It is suggested that if workers individually present their demands to an employer without a union, they are likely to be dismissed or laughed at, illustrating the power imbalance without union support. (1h25m55s)
• Smaller businesses are acknowledged, with some taking good care of their employees, which might not necessitate union involvement. These businesses may maintain good practices to avoid unionization. (1h26m10s)
• An example is given of a family-owned business where the owner, Paul Nazaro, took care of his employees, including giving a significant financial reward to a long-term employee upon selling the business. (1h27m4s)
• The majority of people should have the ability to join a union without retaliation or retribution, and not all non-union employers are bad, as some small businesses and family-run companies have done well and rewarded their employees (1h27m28s).
• Working at a non-unionized workplace, galvanizing clevis clamps outdoors, led to a bad sunburn and a lack of safety measures, including drug testing, with employees often getting high during lunch breaks (1h27m50s).
• The company didn't drug test employees, but it was known that some employees were on drugs, making it seem like a prerequisite for the job (1h28m35s).
• The Teamsters union supports drug testing for its members, which is a good thing for safety reasons (1h28m49s).

Jimmy Hoffa and the Teamsters Legacy

• Jimmy Hoffa, the former Teamsters president, was an icon who put the union on the map, but his disappearance in 1975 remains a mystery (1h29m12s).
• It's unlikely that Jimmy Hoffa is still alive, given his age would be around 105, but the mystery surrounding his disappearance continues, with various theories about his fate (1h29m47s).
• As the current Teamsters president, no information was shared about what happened to Jimmy Hoffa, and the focus is on continuing his work and legacy (1h30m1s).
• The Teamsters organization was once considered controversial but remains influential today. (1h30m35s)
• The current office of the Teamsters President contains a historical tape recorder used by a previous leader, Jimmy Hoffa, to record conversations without others' knowledge. (1h31m24s)
• There was a notable rivalry between Jimmy Hoffa Sr. and Robert Kennedy, with a story about Robert Kennedy Sr. working late to keep up with Hoffa's efforts. (1h32m1s)

The Teamsters Union: Democracy and Growth

• The Teamsters Union operates democratically, allowing each member to vote for their leadership, with a system of one voice, one vote. (1h32m58s)
• Union elections occur every five years, with the most recent election held in November 2021, and the next one scheduled for November 2026. (1h33m42s)
• The campaign slogan for the current leadership is "bigger, faster, stronger," emphasizing growth and efficiency. (1h34m4s)
• The union has grown significantly, organizing 50,000 new members in two and a half years, including efforts in traditional industries and the cannabis sector. (1h34m14s)
• The cannabis industry has 425,000 W2 employees nationwide, and the union has organized 2,000 of these workers across the country, focusing on areas like cultivation, warehousing, and distribution. (1h34m33s)
• There is an expectation that the cannabis sector will become one of the largest growing divisions, especially with potential nationwide legalization and changes in banking laws. (1h35m2s)
• The union is collaborating with a private equity fund, using pension fund contributions to invest in and potentially acquire smaller companies in the cannabis industry, aiming to organize within this sector. (1h35m35s)
• The strategy involves investing in industries represented by the union, rather than in non-union competitors, with 30% of the investment portfolio dedicated to cannabis and the rest to various other investments. (1h36m51s)
• The goal is to raise a billion dollars by early 2025, which would allow the union to support distressed unionized companies, potentially saving jobs, as illustrated by the example of Yellow Freight. (1h37m7s)