AFL-CIO Recognizes NC Teamsters for Political Action

AFL-CIO Recognizes NC Teamsters for Political Action

Local 391 Awarded at AFL-CIO Convention in Las Vegas

December 6, 2001

(Las Vegas, NV) – Teamsters Local 391 is flexing its political muscle and the national labor community has taken notice. On Wednesday, the Local was awarded for their political action on behalf of North Carolina Teamsters at the 24th Biennial Convention of the AFL-CIO in Las Vegas, NV. Local 391 represents more than 7,000 members across Central and Eastern North Carolina.

“The labor movement is alive and well in North Carolina,” said Jack Cipriani, Local 391 President and Teamsters Eastern Region Vice-President. “We support candidates who support working families. Teamsters speak not only through our intensive grassroots mobilization efforts, but also through our political pocketbooks.”

Local 391 worked with the NC AFL-CIO to mobilize its membership around key legislative issues. Both candidates and local unions throughout the state received much needed materials and resources from Local 391. Only 10 local unions throughout the entire AFL-CIO were selected for recognition.

During the 2000 election cycle, Local 391 contributed more than $200,000 to pro-labor candidates and political organizations. These contributions are given through D.R.I.V.E., the Teamsters political action committee. D.R.I.V.E. stands for Democrat, Republican, Independent, Voter Education and is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from Teamsters members.

“Political action is a two-way street,” Cipriani added. “Teamsters are proud of the resources we provide, yet working families demand accountability for their support. Candidates who would underestimate or oppose us will hear our voice loud and clear at the ballot box.”

Founded in 1938, Teamsters Local 391 is headquartered in Greensboro, NC.