Our Teamsters Local 117 delegation to the International Union Convention under the leadership of Secretary-Treasurer, John Scearcy.

Every five years, Teamsters from across the country gather for our International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) convention. This is our opportunity to debate and vote on operations and governance of our Union and to nominate leaders for our International Union’s Executive Board. 

This year, the 29^th IBT convention will be held from June 25 to July 1 in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is strong union town with the facilities to handle the more than four thousand members and guests from Teamster Locals across the U.S.

Elected delegates representing the 1.4 million Teamster members throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico will attend the event. The number of delegates from each Local is determined by membership size. 

As the third largest Teamsters Local in the country, our Local 117 delegation under the leadership of Secretary-Treasurer John Scearcy, will be a major force at the event. Our team consists of forty delegates and alternates, including rank-and-file members from industries and geographical locations throughout our Local Union.

At the convention, delegates meet to engage in the work of the Union.  Delegates propose, debate, and vote on amendments to the IBT Constitution.  These amendments cover issues as diverse as organizing, strike assistance, negotiation policy, etc. 

Resolutions that are not part of the Constitution are also brought to the floor of the convention for debate and a vote.  Resolutions tend to focus on issues of justice and fairness for workers.

The IBT is one of the most democratic unions in the country today.  All members are sent a ballot to elect the International Union’s Executive Board. The Executive Board, which is different from your Local Union’s Executive Board, consists of the General President and General Secretary-Treasurer, six At-Large Vice Presidents, four Vice Presidents from the Eastern Region, four from the Central Region, two from the Southern Region, three from the Western Region, three from Canada, and three Trustees.

The International Union election is a vibrant campaign that you may have noticed advertised in our Teamster magazine. At the convention, candidates for office are nominated and there is a fair bit of campaigning.

“Our delegate team is headed to the convention with a united purpose,” said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “We stand together to continue on our path for stronger contracts, solid representation for our members, and to continue to grow the membership during difficult times.  I am proud to lead our team and to show all the delegates the true power and diversity of our amazing Union.”

During the convention, we will be posting regular updates of the business of the event on our website at www.Teamsters117.org. Be sure to also check in at our Local 117 Facebook page for more information.