Of the Members, and for the Members

Local Structure

   There are more than 550 Teamster local unions across North America, with 1.4 million members. The local unions and their members are the heart and backbone of the Union.

   The members of each local  elect their own officers, devise their own structure, and vote on their own bylaws, compatible with the International Constitution and Bylaws. While enjoying their independence, the locals benefit from the experience and assistance of the International Union, and of the various conferences and councils in the Union's structure.

Shop Stewards: Shop stewards are elected by the employees, and trained in representational methods by the local union. They are your direct link to Local 570. Whenever you have a problem on the job, you should discuss the matter with your steward.

Business Agents: Local 570 has full-time business agents on staff. The agent's job is to represent your interests. They are usually called on to settle any grievance or matter that may not be resolved between the steward and the company.

Executive Board: Local 570 has seven officers consisting of the Secretary-Treasurer, President, Vice President, Recording Secretary and three Trustees. The officers are all elected by the membership. They are entrusted with running the affairs of the Local Union: negotiating contracts, organizing new members, handling the finances of the Union, participation in community activities, etc.

Regional Structure

   In geographic areas where there are three or more locals, Teamster joint councils exist. The councils work together to share information, coordinate activities beneficial to local needs, and develop solutions to problems that may arise on jurisdictional and judicial matters. Local 570 belongs to Teamsters Joint Council #62.
   Trade divisions and conferences bring Teamster leaders together from across the nation who share common concerns and interests, providing an informational clearinghouse for locals that negotiate in the same industry or bargain with the same employer.

National/International Structure

   At the union's headquarters in Washington, D.C., the International Brotherhood of Teamsters supports local unions with:

• Coordination of national contract negotiations, political action, and organizing
• Training and educational programs for Teamster officers, business agents, stewards and members
  
• Advice and assistance from experienced organizers, negotiators, researchers, attorneys, safety and health professionals, auditors, and communication specialists
  

   The union's General President and General Secretary-Treasurer serve as the executive officers of the union. The General Executive Board consists of 22 Vice Presidents geographically located, or at-large. Election of officers for International office is held every five years. At every convention, three Trustees are elected to monitor the International's finances.
   Convention delegates are elected locally, and meet every five years to amend the Constitution as needed and adopt measures that guide the direction of the union. Between conventions, the General Executive Board guided by the union's Constitution is the final governing body.