As part of the Teamsters, you would be subject to the union's rules and regulations, which are designed to govern and control the activities of members both on and off the job. You can read the rules for yourself in the union's Constitution. Here are some highlights:
Click on the sections below to learn more about what it means to be a member of the Teamsters.
The Union is serious about collecting money from members as the constitution states:
“... all such financial obligations imposed ...shall be legal obligations of the members...and are enforceable in a court of law." -- Article XXVII, Section 1
The Teamsters Union spells out the 'Trials and Appeals' process of members who violate their Constitution.
Any member who commits any one of the 14 violations and specific offenses is subject to reprimands, including fines, suspension and/or expulsion. -- Article XIX
The General President of the Teamsters Union has a certain power and authority that includes:
“The General President may, without the approval of the General Executive Board, appoint a member of International Union as Executive Assistant to the General President, who shall receive a salary for the term of his appointment..." -- Article VI, Sec. 1, (e)
“ ...shall the authority to interpret the Constitution and laws of the International Union, including the authority to interpret the Bylaws of subordinate bodies..." -- Article VI, Sec. 2, (a)
If you're uncomfortable being part of an organization that can discipline you under rules you may never agree to, the only way to avoid it is to avoid being part of a union.
Among the other ways unions can make decisions that affect you is through a strike or other work stoppage that could cost you work time and pay.
