Rick Middleton Appointed Western Region Vice President

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Jan 27, 2010, 03:28 ET

Middleton Says Expanding Organizing in All Areas is a Priority

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rick Middleton, a Teamster for 42 years who has worked his way up the ranks from truck driver to Secretary-Treasurer of Local 572 in Carson, Ca., was sworn in today as Western Region Vice President, Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa announced.

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"Throughout his distinguished Teamster career, Rick has shown exceptional leadership," Hoffa said. "He has spearheaded our extremely successful campaign to organize school bus and other transit drivers nationwide and I know he will bring that determination to his new position."

Middleton said one of his priorities will be to expand organizing in all areas, and to continue in his role as International Chairman of the National School Bus and Transit Bus Driver campaign.

Middleton said he was grateful for all the warm wishes he has received.

"This has renewed my faith that if you put your feet to the fire and work hard, get involved, you can make a difference," Middleton said. "I am honored to receive this appointment."

Middleton joined the Teamsters in 1968 when he was a Ready Mix driver. He became a business representative for Teamsters Local 848 in 1972, where he spent 21 years; 15 of those as the Local's president.

In 2000, Hoffa appointed Middleton to act as Trustee for Local 572. Middleton was elected Secretary-Treasurer in 2002.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters