Teamsters for a Democratic Union materials
Scope and Contents
This collection contains paper materials pertaining to the Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU) and its partner organizations. Materials include newsletters (series 2, 3, and 4) as well as TDU convention files, pamphlets, book excerpts, and studies. This collection contains both files in favor of and against TDU.
Dates
- 1969-2002
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
Biographical / Historical
According to the Teamsters for a Democratic Union, “Teamsters for a Democratic Union is a grassroots organization of thousands of members across North America, working together to rebuild Teamster Power. For more than 30 years, TDU has been uniting Teamsters to put our union to work for the members.”
Teamsters for a Democratic Union was founded by rank-and-file Teamsters in 1976 amidst growing concern about the role of organized crime in the union and lack of proper focus on rank-and-file members. In 1979, TDU and the Professional Driver’s Council (PROD) merged to create a single Teamsters reform group. Throughout the 1980’s, TDU fought for better contracts and advocated for the end of corruption within the higher ranks of the union.
In 1991, TDU-endorsed reform candidate Ron Carey was elected general president of the union. Throughout the Carey presidency, multiple major reforms were made to reduce corruption in Teamster leadership. After his reelection in 1996, the IBT Election Officer ordered a re-do. Carey was disqualified and James P. Hoffa won the presidency.
Since the 1990’s, the TDU has fought to protect pension plans, build rank-and-file power, and hold elected officials accountable.
Extent
3 record cartons (Photocopies of articles and other documents relating Teamsters for a Democratic Union plus copies of Convoy Dispatch.)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This collection contains materials pertaining to the Teamsters for a Democratic Union (TDU), its predecessors, and connected organizations.
Arrangement
This collection is divided into four series: Teamsters for a Democratic Union Files, Convoy Dispatch Newsletters, Labor Notes Newsletters, and Union Democracy Review Newsletters. Each series is arranged chronologically.
Physical Location
Materials are stored off-site, and will require additional retrieval time. Please contact the Special Collections Research Center for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
CHOOSE ONE:
Gift of [Name], [Date] [(Accession Number)]
Transferred by [Office or Department Name], [Date] [(Accession Number)]
Purchased by Gelman Library, [Date] [(Accession Number)]
Loaned by [Name], [Date] [(Accession Number)]
- Title
- Guide to the COLLECTION NAME HERE, YYYY-YYYY
- Author
- Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid written in English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Research Center, The George Washington University Repository
