General President James P. Hoffa

Let’s Keep America’s Railway Strong

America’s railroads have united east and west, stimulated commerce between the states and propelled our great nation into a global economic power. They are as crucial to our freedom and our strength as they were 150 years ago, when the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen was founded in Marshall, Mich., on May 8.

I couldn’t be prouder that the BLET is now part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. I joined my brothers and sisters in an anniversary celebration here in Detroit last week to mark the anniversary.

Extremists Attacking Sick Leave: Enough To Make You Sick

The anti-crowd is at it again.

Not satisfied with anti-worker, anti-union and anti-living wage, extremist politicians are now anti-earned sick leave. It’s no surprise that this latest shameful attack on Michigan workers isn’t the only one.

It’s The Trade Deficit, Stupid

As a proud American, it’s difficult to watch vital government programs cut mindlessly because of sequestration.

And as a proud Michigander, it’s painful to anticipate Detroit’s emergency financial manager because of the city’s troubles.

The Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy

Michigan’s lame-duck legislative session was just a warm up for radical billionaires.

They are now spreading their gospel of greed and corporate empowerment to Statehouses throughout the country.

Let the Majority Rule: It’s Time for Filibuster Reform

The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) would be the law of the land today if it weren't for the modern filibuster. EFCA would have made it easier to organize a union. In 2008, it easily passed the House of Representatives. A solid majority of U.S. senators supported the bill. But they never got a chance to vote on it, and EFCA died. The tragedy of EFCA was how easy it was for anti-worker senators to prevent a vote on the legislation.

Snyder Declares Civil War In Michigan

Working families are taking to the streets, the shopping malls and to Lansing to protest the attempt to enact a law that conveys no rights and provides no work.

The past few days of action are only the opening salvo in Michigan’s civil war. It is a fight between billionaires who want to turn the Midwest into Canada's Mexico and working people trying to save Michigan's middle class.

No Need to Rush to Avoid Fiscal Cliff

Working people sent a clear message on Nov. 6: We do not want cuts to Social Security, Medicare or Medicaid. We do want jobs, investment in infrastructure and higher taxes on millionaires. They voted for candidates who supported these things even in races for the House of Representatives. Though Republicans still control the House, they lost the popular vote because they'd gerrymandered so many districts.

Remember When Romney Cracked Down on Outsourcing? Me Neither

Millions of Americans need good-paying jobs. Unfortunately, Mitt Romney doesn't have a plan to create them.

That's just what you'd expect from a man who made his fortune sending American jobs overseas and profitable companies into bankruptcy.

The Shrinking Of Our Middle Class Is No Accident

If you’re lucky enough to have a job, but you feel like you’re working harder than ever, your paycheck is shrinking and your bills are piling up – well, you’re right. You’re feeling the effects of inequality in America. Last year, the gap between rich and poor Americans was the widest in 40 years.

Collective Bargaining Is Good For All Of Us

The Greatest Generation won two World Wars, put a man on the moon, built the interstate highway system and created the most dynamic economy on earth. Between 1946 and 1973, the U.S. economy was a powerhouse. The middle class grew strong and millions of Americans rose out of poverty.

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