Teamsters take over LV local
Local 631 of Las Vegas has been placed under trusteeship for
alleged improprieties.
By
Tony Batt
Donrey Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Teamsters
President James R. Hoffa announced Wednesday that Local 631 of Las Vegas has
been placed under emergency trusteeship because of alleged improprieties.
Local 631 includes about 2,800 members who work
as freight drivers, mechanics and janitorial service providers.
"An investigation of (Local 631) has
uncovered severe mismanagement that has negatively impacted members of our
union," Hoffa said in a statement. "I am committed to restoring Local
631 to the members and ending any fraud and abuse within the Teamsters
union."
Alleged improprieties cited by Hoffa included:
--Failing to file grievances on behalf of members
and negotiating substandard agreements with employers.
--Not enforcing collective bargaining agreements.
--Inadequately representing members because of
the inexperience of Local 631 officers and representatives.
The charges resulted from an investigation by Teamster
officials, Hoffa said.
Hoffa appointed Jim Wilkerson, a 40-year Teamster
and former president of Local 14 in Las Vegas, to serve as temporary trustee of
Local 631. Wilkerson's duties will include enforcing existing collective
bargaining agreements and improving representation and service for members.
Hoffa could not be reached Wednesday night and
calls to Teamster offices in Washington and
Las Vegas were not returned.
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