Socialist Viewpoint

On Sunday, October 18, Teamsters Local 705, at its general meeting, resolved to oppose Bush’s drive for war against Iraq. With over 300 members attending, the meeting overwhelmingly approved a resolution proposed by members of the Uprise! group, and supported by veterans, socialists, and the Local 705 Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Zero.

Teamsters Local 705, based in Chicago IL, is the second largest Teamsters Local in the U.S, and among the largest locals of any union in the country. Local 705 was part of the historic 1997 UPS strike, and is well known for assisting other area unions struggling for justice.

Whereas, we value the lives of our sons and daughters, of our brothers and sisters more than Bush’s control of Middle East oil profits;

Whereas, we have no quarrel with the ordinary working-class men, women, and children of Iraq who will suffer the most in any war;

Whereas, the billions of dollars being spent to stage and execute this invasion, means billions taken away from our schools, hospitals, housing, and social security;

Whereas, Bush’s drive for war serves as a cover and a distraction for the sinking economy, corporate corruption, lay-offs, Taft-Hartley (used against the locked out ILWU longshoremen);

Whereas, Teamsters Local 705 is known far and wide as fighters for justice.

Be it Resolved that Teamsters Local 705 stands firmly against Bush’s drive for war.

Further Resolved that the Teamsters Local 705 Executive Board publicize this statement, and seek out other unions, labor and community activists interested in promoting anti-war activity in the labor movement and community.”

We ask all those who support and are encouraged by this statement to contact Teamsters Local 705 to offer support:

Teamsters Local 705.

Phone: 312 738-2800 or www.teamsterslocal705.org