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Hoffa Rallies Lansing Teamsters

27 September 2000

Hoffa Rallies Lansing Teamsters; Working Families Rally Against Anti-Union Employers

    LANSING, Mich., Sept. 26 International Brotherhood of
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa today joined working families for a
rally on the State Capitol grounds in Lansing, MI.  The rally was held to
support Teamsters who have lost work due to an anti-union agreement between
Serv-U-Sweet and Spartan Stores, Inc.
    "Make no mistake, the Teamsters will fight back when our contracts are
violated," said Hoffa.  "We will not let employers fatten their wallets on the
backs of working families.  These people have worked hard for a good contract
and it will be honored."
    Currently, the Teamsters represent more than 600 workers at Spartan
Stores.  The company has formed a partnership with Serv-U-Sweet for the
distribution of snack foods by non-union workers.  In what amounts to a sub-
contracting agreement, Serv-U-Sweets will take over deliveries and warehouse
functions formerly performed by Teamster workers.  Serv-U-Sweet is owned by
the family of State Representative Jo Anne Voorhees, a Republican legislator
seeking re-election in the 77th District.
    "The Teamsters are putting candidates like Rep. Voorhees on notice, when
you oppose working families, you will do so at your own political peril,"
Hoffa added.
    The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.5
million working men and women throughout the United States and Canada.