The Teamsters’ strike at US Foods in Streator may be over by the time this is out, but in less than a month, the union already has shown that a determined few can stand up for themselves; with their union brothers and sisters they can stand up to the rich and powerful; they can use traditional tactics, exemplified by the solidarity of sympathy strikes; and they also can be creative, resorting to actions such as “rolling strikes” — short work stoppages here and there where a common employer operates. 

Read more: Knight: Teamsters’ strength stands up to power

Training Draws Crowd, Members Get Involved In California

Teamsters in California recently came out in large numbers to the Joint Council 42 member organizer boot camp. This was the largest boot camp since the program began in 2009, with more than 600 participants overfilling the training room in Covina. The participants came from a number of locals, industries and hometowns, and all were eager and willing to learn how to organize their fellow workers.

Read more: Teamsters Enlist In Joint Council 42 Boot Camp

By Randy Korgan

We have successfully completed the first round of eight volunteer Teamster organizing training sessions.

Read more: Volunteer Organizer Training Reaches 8-Session Milepost

About 40 employees of an Oakland, Calif., marijuana-growing company joined the Teamsters union earlier this month, becoming what are believed to be the first pot growers to unionize in the country.

Read more: Teamsters Organize Medical Marijuana Growers