Teamsters Support Economic Stimulus for Working Families

Teamsters Support Economic Stimulus for Working Families

Workers, Not Corporations, Need Relief

November 13, 2001

(Washington, D.C.) - The Teamsters Union today gave its full support to the Democratic sponsored economic stimulus package. Teamster members joined Sen. Paul Wellstone (DFL-MN) and Sen. John Corzine (D-NJ) at a press conference on the Senate lawn.

Joe Wellcome, a recently laid-off worker from Minneapolis, MN, highlighted the difficulties that working families face in the current economy. Wellcome was joined by Teamster members who have recently lost their jobs at Gate Gourmet, an airline catering company.

"My wife and I have worked hard our entire lives," Wellcome said. "Like many thousands of Americans, we have run into hard times. Now we just want to get back to work as soon as possible with marketable skills. We need help now, not in six months."

The Teamsters support economic stimulus that focuses efforts on workers, not corporations. Included in the Democratic proposal are provisions to extend unemployment benefits, assist with COBRA premiums and retrain skilled workers for new professions.

"Congress should put money in the hands of people who need it and will spend it right now," Wellcome added. "We can put this money right back into the economy by buying goods to provide for our families."

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