Independent Teamsters Organizing Committee (ITOC) Stands with TeamsterLink

[Tony R Cochran]

ITOC

As an urgent matter, the Independent Teamsters Organizing Committee (ITOC), alongside concerned members within our ranks, voices a resolute challenge against the undermining of union democracy through recent actions by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) leadership concerning TeamsterLink. We are compelled to confront the alarming decision by IBT Secretary-Treasurer Zuckerman to funnel union funds to Nixon Peabody, a law firm with a notorious reputation for anti-union activities.

The deliberate move to target TeamsterLink for alleged “copyright infringement” using a firm that boasts of its prowess in union-busting is a direct affront to the very essence of our collective solidarity. This act raises severe alarms about the misallocation of our union’s resources to suppress internal dissent and debate, which are vital to the health and democracy of our organization.

This situation goes beyond a mere legal dispute; it strikes at the core of our values and the democratic principles we stand by. Engaging Nixon Peabody, known for its adversarial stance against labor, to police our own members is not only contradictory but fundamentally harmful to our unity and strength. Such actions betray a disdain for open dialogue and critical engagement, which are indispensable to a vibrant and democratic union.

We cannot stand idly by as the principles of union democracy are threatened by decisions that favor silencing dissent over fostering a culture of transparency and inclusivity. It is imperative that we demand accountability and ensure that our union’s resources are used to strengthen our collective rather than to erode the very foundations of our solidarity.

In solidarity, we call for immediate collective action to address these pressing issues. We must safeguard our union’s integrity, uphold the principles of democracy that define us, and ensure that all actions taken in our name truly serve the interests and welfare of our members.

We urgently call upon the entire Teamster community to rise in unison and put an end to this blatant affront to union democracy. It is imperative that every Teamster demands transparency, accountability, and an immediate cessation of the misuse of union funds to suppress dissent within our ranks. Let our collective strength be a formidable force against any attempts to compromise the principles that define the very essence of our union. The time for action is now – let our solidarity prevail over any divisive tactics, ensuring the unwavering commitment to democracy within our great union.

[Koldiww]

Nixon Peabody is an extension of what Jones Day provided the tdu/IRB/govt for many years. A way to undermine the IBT and erode the Union's power. However, oz has taken it a step further. They have actually hired them to do work for their machine. They use them them to grind up any hint of opposition that they perceive as a threat. Their use of the IIO as a political weapon, using the $1500 per hour Kelly to go after honest, hard working Teamsters has, for the most part, muted all others. Now, they threaten the free speech of retirees, who at the very least, want to allow an open forum, free of retaliation for those who want to voice their opinion publicly, to do so. Good and bad. I am hoping that the officers, officials and members wake up to what is happening. It is so blatant, that playing footsie with the anti-union Trump to send a not so subtle message to those members who blindly support him against their best interests, will further destroy the Teamsters.