Hall Takes Oath of Office for Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Mar 22, 2012, 03:54 ET

West Virginia Labor Leader Begins Five-Year Term as Union's Number Two Official

WASHINGTON, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- West Virginia labor leader Ken Hall joined his 2011 running mate Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and the newly elected International Vice Presidents and Trustees to be sworn in today to a five-year term on the union's General Executive Board.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO)

Hall assumes his new role as the General Secretary-Treasurer, the union's number two official overseeing all of the properties, funds, securities, and assets of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The Hoffa-Hall slate won the 2011 IBT International Officer Election by a wide margin in November. The election results were certified on Jan. 6. Hoffa took office in March 1999 and won re-election in 2001 and 2006. Under his stewardship, the Teamsters Union has regained its place as the strongest labor union in North America.

"I will never waiver from our mission, which is to provide the best representation possible to the members of the greatest union in the world," Hall said. "We will continue to do everything in our power to protect, defend and secure strong Teamster contracts that provide good benefits and job security. Teamster membership has lifted generation after generation into the middle class and helped millions obtain the American dream. I am honored to help carry on that important tradition."

Hall, a 36-year, second-generation Teamster, began his Teamster career in 1976 working in the oilfields for the Pennzoil Company. After serving as a Pennzoil job steward and negotiating committee member for 11 years, Hall was appointed in 1987 as business agent at Local 175 in South Charleston, W.V. He was elected Vice President in 1989, and a year later he took over Local 175 as President. Since, he has been elected President of Local 175 in seven consecutive elections, and he will continue in that role.

As Package Division Director, Hall negotiates the largest collective bargaining agreement in the country covering more than 250,000 Teamsters at UPS. He will continue serving in that position and will negotiate the next contract to replace the current one that expires next year.

Hall has served on the General Executive Board since 2003.

Hoffa said he has gained a powerful partner to help lead the union into the future.

"Ken is respected as a strong leader, a visionary and a fighter," Hoffa said. "It is an honor and a privilege to work with him to serve the 1.4 million members of this great union. With the help of Ken's leadership and advice, the Teamsters Union will continue to lead the fight to protect the middle class and the American dream."

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @TeamsterPower.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters