Member Rights and Responsibilities As a member of the union, you are united with 10,000 proud Local 396 members and 1.4 million members who make up the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
– one of the largest and most diverse labor unions in the world. With your membership, you join Teamster brothers and sisters across North America who have guaranteed wages, health benefits and a secure pension plan. You are no longer an at-will employee; you are backed by a solid team of labor representatives who will protect your job and fight for
your rights. You now have a staff of dedicated professionals working at the state and federal levels to safeguard legislation and policies that affect all
working Americans. You also have distinct privileges and benefits that are only available through your membership. From special rates on home mortgages to discounted vacation packages for you and your family – the list of Teamsteronly benefits is long and assorted. Moreover, the union is, by definition, by the people and for the people, and it cannot function without members exercising their rights and responsibilities.
Member Rights Every union member has:
Equal rights to participate in union activities
Freedom of speech and assembly
Union members (and non-union employees) also have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements, the Constitution and Bylaws, and annual financial reports.
The Teamsters is a democratic organization where you and your fellow members elect local leaders and decide important policies. This is one of the most important rights and responsibilities a union member has. Carrying on the Tradition is Every Member’s Responsibility For over a century, active and proud Teamsters have stood united to improve wages, benefits and working conditions. The only way we can continue to be a strong union with a powerful voice is for members to participate in activities that promote the betterment of the entire organization:
Attend meetings Stay informed
Become politically educated and active
Support the fair and equal treatment of your co-workers
Volunteer with your skills
Share your knowledge
Help organize your non-union counterparts
Speak proudly of the Teamsters
Make a commitment to participate in union-sponsored events;
Support your labor leaders.
