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Teamsters Local 853

Teamsters local 853 is based in Oakland, California and is part of the much larger International Teamsters Union.

  • Local 853 has lost 2,158 members since 2021, bringing their total membership down to 11,115 members.

  • In fact, since 2016, local 853 has not won any of the 9 elections where their own members vote to remove the union.

  • Members of the union are expected to abide by the rules and regulations of local 853's bylaws  and the international union's constitution.

Local 853 Membership

Sources: Department of Labor

"Coercion of Employees"

An unfair labor practice (ULP) is a labor law violation, committed by either the company or the union. In the last 10 years, 66 unfair labor practice charges have been filed against Teamsters local 853.

Of those 66 violations, 54 were for "coercion of employees." According to the NLRB, examples of this violation include:

  • Use violence or threats of violence to coerce employees
  • Breach of duty to fairly represent employees
  • Discipline a member for filing unfair labor practice charges
  • Fine a member for filing a decertification petition
  • Restrict member's freedom to resign
  • Impose discipline on a member that impacts their employment

Knowing how poorly Teamsters local 853 treats its own members, is this really who you want to represent you and your future with U.S. AutoForce?

Unfair Labor Practice Charges Filed Against the Local 853

Sources: Bloomberg Law Database

Finances

Teamsters local 853 must file an LM-2 report (like a tax return) detailing its finances every year.

In 2024, the local union collected more than $18,780,970, with 60% of the money coming directly from members' dues, agency fees, fines, assessments, work permits, and other fees.

  • $10,376,833 - Dues and agency fees paid by members.

  • $952,557 - Other fees, fines, assessments, and work permits paid by members.

Where's the money going?

The chart below breaks down how local 853 spent $17,959,142, including:

  • $2.1 million in Benefits for local 853 employees and officials.

  • $2.9 million in Per Capita Tax passed onto the International Union.

  • $3.8 million to local 853 employees and officials in salaries and expenses, mostly attributed to "Representational Activities."

  • $6.5 million for the Purchase of Investments and Fixed Assets, like stocks, bonds, cars and furniture.

Teamsters Local 853 Disbursements

Source: 2025 IBT Local 853 LM-2 Report. *Other: Political Activities and Lobbying; Contributions, Gifts, and Grants; Repayment of Loans Obtained; On Behalf of Individual Members; Total Withheld But Not Disbursed.