International Brotherhood of Teamsters

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is one of the largest unions in the world, representing one in ten unionized workers. The union has a reputation as one of the more conservative politically. For most of the past decade, the union operated under federal supervision and struggled with allegations of corruption and mob influence. The IBT is active in lobbying for pro-worker legislation and support labor-friendly candidats. The two most politically active locals of the Teamsters in Illinois are Local 705/Joint Council 25 and Local 916. The Teamsters Volunteers in Politics is the political action committee of Local 705/Joint Council 25, based in Chicago. Teamsters Drive Political Fund is associated with Springfield-based Local 916.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters are career patrons of former Governor Rod Blagojevich (D), Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D), Secretary of State Jesse White (D), Governor Pat Quinn (D), former Senate President Emil Jones (D), and Democratic Party Chair and Speaker of the House Michael Madigan (D).

From January 1, 1993 through June 30, 2005, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters gave $2.875 million to candidates for Illinois statewide constitutional and legislative office, 75% of which was contributed to Democrats.

Last revised June 2011.