Headline News
Teamsters Wrap Up Political Coordinators Meeting with Successful DRIVE Blitz
Local 639 Boosts Participation as Teamsters Build Political Power
Teamsters volunteer political coordinators from across the country joined International Union staff and officers, business agents, and stewards from Teamsters Local 639 to launch a DRIVE blitz at UPS facilities in Maryland and Virginia. The push marked the conclusion of the 2025 Teamsters Political Coordinators Meeting, highlighting the Teamsters’ commitment to building political strength in the labor movement.
Across five UPS sites and two shifts, Teamsters representatives spoke with rank-and-file members about how DRIVE (Democratic, Republican, Independent Voter Education) amplifies workers’ voices in the political arena. From helping elect candidates who prioritize working families to advancing pro-worker legislation, DRIVE ensures that Teamsters’ interests are represented where decisions are made.
Local 639 boosted DRIVE participation by more than 40 percent — a clear show of enthusiasm from members to fight for real change and ensure workers have a voice on the job and at all levels of government.
“I’ve seen firsthand how critical DRIVE is to building Teamsters leverage,” said Austin DePaolo, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 223. “Working with the International Union staff on this blitz showed exactly how effective these efforts can be, and it was inspiring to see members embrace the program and understand its importance.”
Through DRIVE, Teamsters are building the political power needed to stand up against corporate threats from bad actors like UPS CEO Carol Tomé and Amazon boss Andy Jassy — including attempts to implement automated warehouses and driverless vehicles — while continuing the fight for fair wages, strong protections, and quality benefits.
The DRIVE campaign capped a week of sessions at the union’s Political Coordinators Meeting, where leaders celebrated recent legislative wins and strategized on the fights ahead. The strong show of support by Local 639 reflects the momentum the Teamsters are carrying into the future — both at the bargaining table and the ballot box.
If you’re interested in hosting a DRIVE blitz at your local, please contact Bob Trappe, DRIVE Field Coordinator, at RTrappe@Teamster.org or (440) 409-8067.