Woman runs for President of Brotherhood of Teamsters

Yes, it's an organization that still calls itself a "brotherhood." But change may be coming to the Brotherhood of Teamsters. A woman by the name of Sandy Pope is running against a man by the name of James Hoffa Jr. for the position of President of the International Botherhood of Teamsters.

Even more incredible, is that Sandy Pope was once a truck driver, warehouse worker and steelhauler. She's also been President of Teamsters Local 805 in New York City, and still is. (She just won her local election as of 11/18/2010.) Now, to run for International General President of the Teamsters union, she and her supporters need 40,000 signatures on petitions by Dec. 3, 2010.

Sandy Pope calls herself a "reform" candidate. She was a strong supporter of a past-president of the Teamsters who was also a reformer, Ron Carey. Pope worked as a representative under Carey and both worked together to bring democracy and greater membership involvement in the union.

Sandy Pope understands that good contracts can be negotiated only with the participation of the membership. Membership involvement can prevent sweetheart deals between corporate CEOs and union bureaucrats. Frustrated with the "give everything away to the company" weaknesses of the current Teamster President, James Hoffa, Jr., members of the Teamsters are seriously considering Sandy Pope's campaign. The Teamsters union has more women members now than in the past and these members are likely proud to see a woman step forward and give the "old boy" a challenge.

Just like the changes in the U.S. presidency, its time to see changes in the labor movement. Sandy Pope deserves support from union members who are sick of the corporate lies and demands for concessions. By supporting her campaign, we can put an end to the abuse that has been dumped on working people over the past 30 years. If you are a Teamster member please get involved. If you know a Teamster member, remind her or him to get involved in the campaign. Vote for Sandy Pope. See: www.sandypope2011.org