As we enjoy the holiday season and the countdown to 2005, Teamsters have much to be excited about. We accomplished several significant goals in 2004 and we have many worthy challenges on the horizon in 2005.

We stood together this year and won numerous strong contracts, improving tens of thousands of Teamsters’ wages, benefits and working conditions. What’s more, the Teamsters Union strengthened its presence at the bargaining table by merging with three strong unions—our new brothers and sisters in the railway and graphic-design industries increase the skills provided by hardworking Teamsters members.

The 67,000 workers represented by two railway unions—the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees—are types of workers that the union had never represented. Workers in all major shipping industries—freight, airline, small parcel, warehouse, tankhaul and railway—are Teamsters.

In December, nearly 60,000 brothers and sisters at the Graphic Communications International Union voted to become a conference in our union. These workers help produce some of the most significant magazines and newspapers in America, and we look forward to working to help them organize additional printing facilities in North America.

Not long ago, we proposed a plan to our brothers and sisters at the AFL-CIO, setting a course for the Teamsters and other unions. By emphasizing our need to organize workers across the country and encouraging mergers between unions, our ranks will grow, and we will consolidate our power—giving us more influence at the negotiating table. What’s more, this increased union membership will grant us a stronger voice in the political realm, helping us to eventually produce a pro-labor government.

The fight for fair wages, benefits, retirement, occupational health and safety, and social justice is difficult but vital. At this time of year, when many of us spend the holidays with loved ones, we realize just how important our struggle is.

On behalf of the General Executive Board, we wish Teamsters, their families and workers everywhere a warm holiday season and a 2005 filled with health, success and justice.

Remember, United We Win!