College Students From Washington Center Visit Teamster Headquarters

Union Representatives Explain Organization’s History, Importance

In January, the Teamsters Education Department conducted an afternoon seminar at the International’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. for college students from the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. The 11 students from six different colleges participated in discussions about unions and their role in the American workplace.

Director of Education Mary G. Hardiman led the meeting, and International Trustee John Steger was on hand to share his experiences as a Teamster and his insights into the country’s labor situation.

Hardiman provided an overview of the important role that labor unions have played in American history.

“Before unions, workers were at the mercy of their employers on every issue,” Hardiman said. “Labor unions have helped secure rights and a voice for millions of workers.”

She also discussed the 100-plus years of the Teamsters. “The Teamsters Union has grown from representing only drivers to representing a wide array of workers across the country,” Hardiman explained. “These workers include airline mechanics, nurses, law enforcement personnel, truck drivers, pilots, emergency medical technicians and paramedics–everyone who keeps our communities safe, and everything you use on a daily basis. Chances are,  if it wasn’t made by a Teamster, it was delivered by a Teamster.”

A Teamster since his college days, Steger spoke of the union’s influence in his life, including how the union saved his job when he was a UPS driver. He also discussed the benefits that unions have provided to workers over the past century, including health insurance, vacation, pensions, and even weekends.

“When I say this about unions, it’s not about just one person,” said Steger. “It’s about the collective spirit—what all of us can do for one another. That’s the strength of a union.”

“This was a good experience for the students,” said faculty leader and Texas professor Rey Flores. “The students enjoyed it, and I think they learned a lot from the presentations and the experience.”

“It was a nice dialog. I wish I’d had more time to talk about the union’s position on even more issues,” said Russell Jonas, a sophomore at Brookhaven College in Dallas, Texas. “I think it’s great what the Teamsters are doing,” Jonas said. “It really shows how an organization can make a difference.”

Each year, across the United States and Canada, Teamsters reach out to thousands of young people to engage them in learning about the union, the labor movement, and the world of work.

Back to Project in the News