Gov't attacks all labor in Teamsters takeover move
1987Carl Finamore 1987-07Read it in the scan (PDF at ETOL), page 1 →
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In a move that represents a significant escalation in the government's anti-union drive, the Justice Department recently announced it was preparing an unprecedented lawsuit aimed at putting the 1.7-million-. member International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) under federal control.
The goal of the suit would be to ask a judge or jury to replace Teamsters President Jackie Presser and all 21 members of the union's national executive board with a government-appointed trustee.
Federal prosecutors contend that Teamster leaders have violated the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The Justice Department first successfully used this law last year to impose trusteeship over Teamster Local 560 in New Jersey. Now it has decided to attempt a takeover of the whole international union.
The President's Commission on Organized Crime has also targeted three other unions for possible government interference. These are the International Longshoremen's Association, the Hotel and Restaurant Employees, and the Laborers' International Union of North America.
At first glance, it would appear to be a good idea for the government to clean up the Teamsters union. There is certainly a lot of evidence of criminal activity. But (continued on page 5, in “S.F. Retail Clerks fight concessions”)
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Special: The hidden story behind Contragate. See pp. 7-10.