IBT 2006 Convention (2)

June 30, 2006

Brothers and Sisters,

The 27th IBT Convention has been adjourned. And what a phenomenal Convention it was. The solidarity and unity in this organization is amazing. Each of the five days was filled with excitement, as we plotted the course that we will be taking together for the next five years.

There were only a few amendments to the Constitution, but there were over 40 resolutions passed covering everything from organizing to diversity to recognitions to pensions and benefits to training to International Unity to political strategies to Universal National Healthcare. And everything that was passed, I believe passed unanimously. The discussions were wide ranging and passionate, some were moving and some were hilarious but all were heart felt.

Guests ranged from actors Danny Glover and Kiefer Sutherland to comedian Al Franken to Senators John Edwards and Joe Biden, among others. Labour movement legends and Presidents ran the gamut from Andy Stern of the SEIU, Terry O'Sullivan of the Laborers, Bruce Raynor of UNITE HERE, Joe Hansen of the UFCW and Anna Burger, the Chair of "Change to Win". I'll tell you this, it was obvious that the TEAMSTERS, and especially Presdient Hoffa and Secretary Treasurer Keegal, are well respected in both the political arena and in the labour movement. SEIU President Andy Stern, following his commendations of President as the strongest Labour leader in America, told all of us that the TEAMSTERS are the "back bone of the labour movement" and that we must never forget that. Terry O'Sullivan said that even though he was immensely proud to be President of the Laborers Union, if he wasn't a Laborer... then surely he would be TEAMSTER.

We were educated on the Diamond Walnut strike, which lasted over a decade but was finally won after the Hoffa administration came into office. We learned of the plans and strategies which will be utilized to finally have such giant 'anti-union' corporations as Wal Mart, Cintas, Quebecor and Fedex recognize their employees right to be unionized. And we learned that President Hoffa had just achieved a card check and neutrality agreement with UPS Freight, which will allow us to finally organize there.

We were brought up to date on bargaining strategies and the commitment from the International, and from James P. Hoffa himself, that the TEAMSTERS will not sign substandard agreements. We learned about JAB (Joint Association of Boxers) and how this TEAMSTER initiative to give boxers proper representation has brought the rights of these athletes "out of the stone age".

The highlight of course, was the election by acclimation of Teamsters Canada President Robert Bouvier and International Vice Presidents Don McGill and Tom Fraser. Canada, as always, stood strong and united as a block and accomplished the work of the Union ... together. Even though it has been a long two weeks, with a lot of work accomplished... I feel rejuvenated and ready to take up the fight once again, when I get home.

I could go on all night but I would not even come close to doing the Convention justice the way the communications department of the IBT does on their website. So here's the address, and I urge you to go check it out. http://www.teamster.org/resources/convention2006/convention.asp .

I want to thank the membership on behalf of myself and the other TCRC MWED delegates, Gary Doherty, Bill Brake and John Kruk, for electing us to represent you at this historic convention. Your confidence in us was appreciated, but especially for allowing us to be a part of these proceedings. I mean it..... thank you.

Stay safe, stay strong, stay united.

Fraternally yours,

Bill Brehl
President
TCRC MWED