What is a teamster? (1 Viewer)

[Bob Movies]

I've heard the expression "Teamster" before, but what exactly does it mean? Is it a particular union, or a particular company? Is it connected with driving for money?

How / Why does one become a teamster?

Bob

 

[Carl Johnson]

Building Better Lives. Together.
That's what the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is all about.

To make life better for Teamsters members and their families—and for all working families—the Teamsters organize the unorganized, make workers' voices heard in the corridors of power, negotiate contracts that make the American dream a reality for millions, protect workers' health and safety, and fight to keep jobs in North America.

Today's Teamsters are a community of workers, fueled by a contagious spirit that is equal part compassion, commitment, creativity, solidarity, and strength. Collectively, we are dedicated to the ultimate tenet of the trade union movement—the commitment to enhance the lives of our members all across North America . . . and to win justice for working families

 

[Joseph DeMartino]

Now, to answer the question you actually asked:

Yes, today word "Teamster" is used almost exclusively to refer to members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a labor union that mostly represents freight drivers and handlers, though other occupations are also represented in the union.

"Teamster" started out as a generic term for men who handled "teams" of horses, harnassed to wagons - the frieght handlers of their day. To this day the Teamster's logo incorporates pictures of a horse and, if I recall correctly, an old-fashioned wooden horse collar and spoked wagon wheel.

Regards,

Joe

 

[John Watson]

I'm waiting for Jimmy Hoffa's post

 

[Steven K]

Oh no... let's not get into it about the Teamsters...

I believe there was a quote at the end of a Simpsons episode, which just about sums it up...

 

[Grant B]

HEY, You got a problem wit Dat!

 

[Philip_G]

I think one or more of the pilot's unions are actually a part of the teamsters, just can't remember which one.

 

[Carl Johnson]

I'm a driver for Pepsi Cola and I'm a Teamster.

 

[Dave Poehlman]

If you watch Hoffa, you'll learn a teamster is someone who smokes a lot of cigarettes and says "c*cksucker" alot.