Teamsters GP Sean O'Brien on negotiations, automation and organizing

Continuing our Presidents Day coverage, Sean O'Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, appeared on America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's strategic approaches to negotiations, the challenges posed by automation and the ongoing efforts to organize Amazon workers. 

O'Brien detailed the Teamsters' strategic negotiation template, which was effectively utilized in recent high-profile contracts with companies like UPS and Costco. He emphasized the importance of member engagement and setting firm deadlines to avoid contract extensions, which can prolong disputes. By leveraging social media and conducting thorough research on employers, the Teamsters have secured significant gains for their members, including wage increases and improved working conditions.

The discussion also covered the growing threat of automation and its potential impact on American workers. O'Brien highlighted the importance of Collective Bargaining Agreements, which can protect jobs from automation and ensure new technologies create opportunities rather than eliminate positions. He stressed the need for political action to regulate automation and artificial intelligence, urging lawmakers to prioritize worker interests over corporate profits.

Finally, O'Brien addressed the Teamsters' efforts to organize Amazon, describing the company as a major threat to organized labor. He discussed the union's partnership with the Amazon Labor Union and the challenges of overcoming Amazon's aggressive anti-union tactics. O'Brien reaffirmed the Teamsters' commitment to organizing Amazon workers and emphasized the importance of solidarity and strategic action in achieving this goal.

Listen to the full episode to hear more from Sean O'Brien.