Newly-Elected Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43 Executive Board Compiled an 'Action Agenda' to Enhance Representation Statewide

DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eager to chart a new direction for Michigan's 40,000 rank-and-file Teamsters, the newly-elected leadership of Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43 has begun developing plans and priorities to help enhance the Council's effectiveness during these increasingly-challenging times.

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The newly-elected Executive Board of Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43 includes veteran Teamster officials from progressive local unions across the state.  This combination of experience and dedication will serve all Teamsters well during the challenging months and years ahead.  The new officers of Joint Council #43 are:

Joint Council #43 President David Robinson said his team has been busy compiling goals and objectives to help rebuild the Joint Council's strength and effectiveness to better represent rank-and-file Teamsters.

"The changing political landscape, combined with the ongoing challenges of the 21st century workplace, means that Michigan Teamsters must be willing to change and adopt new initiatives for representing the membership," Robinson said.  "Our success going forward will rest with our ability to put the TEAM back into Teamsters.  This means refining our relationships with the various local unions, rebuilding our relationship with rank-and-file Teamsters, and reestablishing our relationship with the IBT.  Teamwork is the greatest asset we have to continue making progress at the bargaining table, in organizing campaigns and in the political and legislative arena."

Considering the enormity of the challenges that Michigan working families are facing, Robinson said it is time for Teamsters to unite behind a set of objectives that will benefit all members going forward.

Political Action - Speaking with one unified voice on political issues and candidates.  Supporting candidates, regardless of political party, who will support Teamsters and working families.

Organizing - Increasing Joint Council #43's commitment to organizing statewide.  In addition, a fair distribution of new members to Local Unions is mandatory.

Teamwork - Renewing the Joint Council's relationship with the IBT.  The International Union's assistance is necessary for Joint Council #43 to grow and prosper in the future.

Local Union Assistance - Helping Local Unions in contract negotiations, contract enforcement, and in the maintenance of industry standards during an increasingly difficult economic environment.

Accountability - Enforcing accountability for Joint Council staffing and expenditures.

"Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43 has a long history of fighting for and serving the needs of Teamsters across Michigan," Robinson said.  "Our directive and determination to serve rank-and-file members will improve as we get down to the business of doing what Teamsters do best: fight for working families."

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 43