Hoffa Celebrates African American Contributions to Union Movement During Speech at Teamsters National Black Caucus

(New Orleans, LA) — Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa stressed the importance of promoting diversity to help strengthen the labor movement during a speech today at the annual meeting of the Teamsters National Black Caucus in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hoffa’s remarks recounted the proud history of the Teamsters Union, which was an early leader in the fight for civil rights. The Teamsters were the first labor union to secure a colorblind and gender-blind labor contract, recognizing that civil rights and workers’ rights go hand in hand. The union was also a staunch supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in their struggle for equal rights for all Americans.

“Our union has always been one of the most progressive labor organizations in the country,” Hoffa said. “We embrace the diversity of our union on every level, recognizing the strength it gives us as an organization.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. 

See video of General President Hoffa's speech.

View more photos from the 2009 TNBC Conference.

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