When the Teamsters Union and a company are not able to reach agreement during good faith collective bargaining and negotiations may reach an impasse. When this occurs, a company now has the right to start working under its final offer without the Teamsters Union's approval or any vote by employees.
Teamsters, at this point, typically have only three options:
Give Up,
Give In or
Go On Strike
Strikes are the only real leverage a union has, and the Teamsters Union is not afraid to put members on the picket line. Since 2014, the Union has been involved in 256 strikes, which put over 46,000 of their members out of work, during these strikes.
Take a look at the chart below for a breakdown of the numbers.
Teamsters Union Work Stoppages |
||
Year |
Number Beginning |
Number of |
2014 |
22 |
5,897 |
2015 |
13 |
1,352 |
2016 |
25 |
3,503 |
2017 |
37 |
3,876 |
2018 |
23 |
4,029 |
2019 |
16 |
4,427 |
2020 |
18 |
2,552 |
2021 |
33 |
4,944 |
2022 |
25 |
3,625 |
2023 |
44 |
12,417 |
Totals |
256 Work Stoppages |
46,622 Workers |
When union members are put on the picket line by the Teamsters Union they find out first hand just what they're risking during an economic strike.
Paychecks from the company stop.
Strikers may have to pay the entire premium for any medical insurance policies.
Economic strikers rarely qualify for unemployment.
And in some cases, permanent replacements are hired to take the place of striking workers. While the striker does go on a preferential recall list, the replacement is under no obligation to give up the job when the strike is over.
What effect would a 5, 10, or even 30-day strike have on you and your family? Find out with the Strike Calculator.
This website is designed as a resource for our colleagues and their families as they consider their options regarding unionization in today's workplace. The decision of whether or not to be represented by a union is an important one, for many reasons. More ››
If you have any questions, please ask here; or, reach out to any of your managers or supervisors and we will be happy to answer any of the questions that you may have.
Casting your vote is extremely important. Don't let other people decide your future without having a say. The election outcome will be determined by the majority of the colleagues who vote. More ››
We are committed to answering your questions and to providing you important facts to consider before you decide if you want to entrust your job and your future to the Teamsters. Some independent resources you may want to contact and research:
Center for Independent Employees (Free Legal Advice)
National Right to Work Foundation (Free Legal Advice and Information)
To learn more about unions, check out these resources:
Calculators: Dues | Investment | Strikes