Members speak out on why they support O'Brien-Zuckerman Teamsters United.
Empowering Members
“Sean O’Brien and Fred Zuckerman have created new on-ramps to develop the next generation of Teamsters.
I started a Futures Committee in my local to get my friends at work involved in our union. Right away, I got plugged into the national Futures Committee group and connected with ideas and resources to empower the next generation of Teamsters.”
Richard Hobbs-Fernie, Norfolk Local 822, UPS
Coordinated Bargaining and Strikes
“Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United leaders like Tom Erickson are using the power of coordinated bargaining and strikes to help warehouse and food distribution Teamsters fight back and win.
Sysco Teamsters in Indiana and Kentucky went on strike together to win strong contracts, including a first union contract for drivers who joined the Teamsters.
Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United stand with members and locals who stand up to the boss."
Bryan Trafford, Louisville Local 89
Extended Picket Lines
“Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United have helped members win record contracts by extending picket lines.
More than 3,000 Republic Services workers honored our picket line when new Republic Teamsters in my local were fighting for a first contract. We won Teamster retirement and employer-paid healthcare in a first contract.
That’s the power of Teamster solidarity and leadership that’s willing to use it.”
Jeremy Brake, Stockton Local 439
Teamster Power for Nurses
“Under Sean O’Brien’s leadership, the Teamsters are the most active union in the labor movement.
I’m one of the more than 12,000 nurses nationwide who have joined the Teamsters because we were inspired by the fighting spirit of the union under its new leadership.
We tried organizing with traditional nurses unions, only the Teamsters put us in charge of our own campaign and gave us the firepower we needed to win.”
Katherine Wallace, Michigan Local 2024, Corewell Health
Contract Campaigns
“Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United are helping Teamsters win better contracts by changing how we do contract negotiations.
Contract campaigns aren’t just for UPS anymore. At Washington Gas, we used a Contract Unity Pledge, parking-lot meetings, contract bulletins, Zoom updates to build member unity and power, and mounted a credible strike threat. We knew that if we had to strike, the IBT would back us with strike benefits of $1,000 a week.
We won our best contract ever.”
Wilder Reed, Maryland Local 96, Washington Gas
Taking on Amazon
“Backed by Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United, 12,000 Amazon workers have joined the Teamsters because they know it’s going to take militancy and fight to win.
Together, we organized the first nation-wide Amazon strike in 2024. When Amazon workers see us fighting for good contracts, and using the strike weapon to win what we deserve, they see what having being a union member is all about.
It’s not just about setting standards for the warehouse and delivery sector — it’s about showing the world what the labor union movement can be.”
Antonio Rosario, Amazon Organizer, New York Local 804
Militancy at UPS
“Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United have restored the fight to our union at UPS.
At my building, people used to keep their heads down and were split into small groups. The UPS contract campaign turned that around. We organized parking lot meetings and unity breakfasts to build solidarity. Practice picketing mobilized members nationwide.
It was the most powerful I’ve seen our union since the 1997 strike.”
Tim Peppers, San Diego Local 542, UPS
Higher Strike Pay for Strong Contracts
“When 1,200 of us struck our employer, Sean O’Brien and Fred Zuckerman backed us with strike benefits of $1,000 a week.
No other union pays strike benefits anywhere near what the Teamsters do under Teamsters United.
It gives members real power to stand up to our employers and win.”
Steve Tesfagiorgis, Minnesota Local 320, University of Minnesota
Meeting New Challenges at UPS
“UPS CEO Carol Tome is dumping volume, closing buildings, laying off members, and violating the contract.
Tough times require proven leadership. Anyone can make a video or social media post complaining about the problems.
Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United are the team I trust to unite the rank-and-file to fight back and win solutions.”
Lindsey Hamann, Wisconsin Local 344, UPS
Uniting for Power
"Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United have built Teamster unity by bringing members together instead of dividing us.
International union officials used to be at war with TDU.
Now, we work together to build contract campaigns, strikes, and organizing drives."
Antonio Suazo, Rhode Island Local 251
Organizing in Core Industries
"Sean O’Brien and OZ Teamsters United have jumpstarted organizing in core industries.
I worked as a nonunion employee at DHL for eight years at the company’s largest air hub. More than 3,000 DHL workers like me are Teamsters now because the International Union backed us in militant organizing drives.
I know the union difference and the difference strong leadership makes. That’s why I support Sean O’Brien and OZ Teamsters United."
Holly Wicker, DHL Local 89
Rank-and-File on Bargaining Committees 
“Sean O’Brien and Fred Zuckerman fought to change the Teamster Constitution so that rank-and-file members must be included on every contract negotiating committee.
TDU fought for this reform for years. O’Brien-Zuckerman Teamsters United made it happen.”
Frank Villa, Los Angeles Local 630, UNFI
No More Brownouts at UPS
“In 2013 and 2018, there was a complete Brownout on information on UPS contract negotiations–and we got stuck with givebacks.
This time, I and other members were at the bargaining table as rank-and-filers. Sean O’Brien did regular bargaining updates on zoom where members were told about every item that was agreed to and what issues remained on the table.
That transparency built our bargaining power.”
Jason Smith, Cincinnati Local 100, UPS
Supporting New Local Union Leaders
“When we won office as new reform leaders in our local, Sean O’Brien and Teamsters United leaders like Tom Erickson gave us the support we needed to succeed.
We’re launching new programs to educate and involve members, win better contracts, and organize the unorganized.”
Alano De La Rosa, Des Moines Local 90, Secretary-Treasurer