I want to rejoin the Teamsters

[SHRED]

The "union" board is too quiet so I need to ask here:

We are represented by the Teamsters Union (Public Works).

I had an issue a decade ago where I took my employer and the Teamsters to Federal Court. The case never went to trial and was settled at a hearing. I prevailed in proving that a section of our MOU was illegal according to the Bill of Rights. The illegal MOU "article 14" was removed.

I never bad mouthed the union to anyone or the press. In fact I told the newspapers that I "am not here to bang the drum against organized labor", I said, "I believe in the ideals of Unions, it's just that I have an issue with the Local and they need some 'fine tuning,". That is as harsh as I got. I tried my level best to settle this without lawyers involved.
We tried to settle before filing. I did my best to get them to listen but they refused and pushed the issue.

Now, 10 years later, things have changed dramatically. The Chief Steward is now in upper management (surprise...not) and there is a new energy happening at the workplace.

I want to rejoin and help make our representation strong. They need help. They have no meeting and the Stewards all have designs on moving up into Management someday. I am never going to. I have no conflict of interest. I would defend the "Brotherhood" with no fear.

The person who gave me a very hard time 10 years ago is now the Local's President...bummer. He is also friends with the former Chief Steward and we already have seen where they go to lunch together and discuss members of the union. That is just wrong on so many levels.

I have been approached by many fellow non-members who said they would join if I was in a Stewardship role.

I have asked the current Chief Steward to check with the our Local's President to see if there are any bylaw rules that would preclude me becoming a member and Steward.

That's it in a nutshell so...

What can I expect?
What are my rights?
How would you go about appealing this if they "deny" me membership and Stewardship at the Local level?

Thanks

[murielm99]

1. Maybe you should go a step above

the local people. See what they say higher up. I think they would be glad to have new members.

My husband is a Teamster. They used to be GCIU, but they changed, because the Teamsters were a bigger union and could offer more. He did not want the change, but he is a local officer now. He does not know the answer to your question, though.

[SHRED]

2. thanks

I want to see how this plays out first.
Any suggestions are helpful.
Thanks again!

[FreakinDJ]

3. They don't turn away New Members

They won't turn you away

Teamsters years ago reached out to many different types of workers in attempts to increase union membership of America as a whole. Some times it was a good fit and everyone was happy and other times it wasn't.

Union organizers felt once people started receiving health care, pensions, enforced workers rights they will begin to realize the value of joining unions. Otheres are happy to merely ride their coat tails. Teamsters even tried to organize Electronics workers back in the early 80s, so some times it was a bit of square peg / round hole with bargaining contracts.

Funny thing is my career has transpired the age of limited membership to now where we are mandated by the IO to take in everyone that applies. Some of are organized brothers are the most staunch union supporters I have ever met. Who else knows the true value of union membership then those that have suffered by the lack of it

[SHRED]

4. even in this scenario?

I had a legal action against them 10 years ago.
I am concerned that I will not be allowed to ever obtain a Stewardship role.

Many guys love my leadership style and will join only if I am allowed into Stewardship.
I truely am for the group.
I stand for open and honest communication.