Robert Richards

Teamsters are helping nonunion workers who want Teamster representation by becoming volunteer member organizers. They are fighting to rebuild the middle class and raise standards for working families.

As part of that effort, the first official “boot camp” training took place on Saturday at Local 243/JC 43 in Plymouth Township, Michigan. A joint effort between the International Union, Joint Councils, and local unions, the training taught members how to effectively organize and mobilize workers to action. Trainings are scheduled throughout the fall at Joint Councils around the country, with the goal of recruiting 1,000 Teamster member organizers this year.

Here’s what Teamster Robert Richards had to say about why he decided to volunteer, why he came to the training, and what change he hopes to effect:

“I’m a third-generation Teamster, with Local 339. I’m here because I want to get into organizing. I heard about this program through my local.

I believe there are a lot of people being backed into a corner and being treated like crap. They have a right to be represented.

With the Employee Free Choice Act, labor has a chance to bring its numbers up substantially. I’ve worked  in jobs, both union and nonunion, and I know what it’s like to live in fear. I’ve seen what employers have done to keep plants nonunion. There are a lot of people that need to be shown what labor can do for them.

If people don’t start moving, their rights will erode. If we don’t participate in what organized labor can do, the only thing that’s going to happen is we’re going to become weak. If you don’t show up for a general membership meeting, you’re not going to have a way to complain about it, because your membership is your union. It’s your strength. We need to always communicate and know what’s going on. Even if you only have 15 minutes, show up and get involved.

I’ve always told people that anything you have started with labor. If you don’t make a stand for what is right, your children will inherit your negligence. What we don’t do now, our kids will deal with when they’re our age.

Whatever it’s going to take, it needs to be done. And that's why I'm here.”

Click here for more information on how to become a volunteer member organizer.