Click Here for Photos From Day Two

JAMES HOFFA: WE HAVE BIG BATTLES AHEAD, BUT WE STAND UNITED

President of the Teamsters union and longtime UAW friend James P. Hoffa greeted convention delegates Tuesday with a reminder of the long history the two organizations share and a pledge to continuing standing with the UAW in years to come.

“You know this is a special moment because you think back 60 or 70 years ago and the people who were the founders of the labor movement here in Michigan were two guys, one named Walter Reuther and the other Jimmy Hoffa. Together they made history,” Hoffa told delegates.

“Today we build on their accomplishments. We can all be proud of what we have done. We stand as a beacon of hope for all working people in America,” said Hoffa, whose union represents 1.4 million members.

The history of these two unions includes building relationships on trade, collective bargaining, and policies that affect working families. It also made the unions staunch allies in organizing campaigns and fighting against unfair policies that hurt families and communities.

There are constant attacks against labor, but still union members stand strong, he said. “People attack us. No matter what they do, we survive. No matter what they do, we get stronger,” said Hoffa.

From right to work to repealing prevailing wage to paycheck deception, “We’ve got a big battle on our hands and we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Hoffa said. “I want you to know that we stand with you in everything that you do.”