Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 23
Teamsters, Prosecutors Seek to End 35-Year Federal Oversight
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 23

Teamsters, Prosecutors Seek to End 35-Year Federal Oversight

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 23

Summary

  • A joint motion filed last week in Manhattan asks a federal judge to dismantle the Teamsters’ remaining outside disciplinary structures, potentially ending oversight imposed in 1989 to purge organized crime influence.
  • The filing followed private outreach last winter from a lawyer for the union to Justice Department leaders arguing that 35 years of monitoring had run its course.
  • Sean O’Brien, 54, stands to score a major victory if the judge approves the plan, strengthening a second term he effectively secured at last week’s Las Vegas convention.
  • O’Brien’s grip on the union has been reinforced by overwhelming delegate support and by political clout in Washington, including backing from President Trump.

Insights

After 35 years, can the Teamsters union truly police itself and prevent a return to its corrupt, crime-ridden past?
How will a newly autonomous Teamsters union wield its power in upcoming fights with corporate giants like Amazon and UPS?