28th National Convention: DAY ONE

Joint Council 25 Is In the Building

Leaders, Delegates Kick Off Teamsters National Convention in Las Vegas

Decorated in pins, badges, stickers and vests, hundreds of Teamster delegates, alternate delegates, guests and representatives marched with General President Jim Hoffa into the 28th International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Convention.

In solidarity, Teamsters Joint Council 25 stood out in the crowd.

President John T. Coli and more than 160 delegates and alternates from the Chicago metropolitan area joined Teamsters from across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico for the first time in five years. Coli joined President Hoffa and other International Vice Presidents to welcome thousands of members to the convention hall at the Paris and Bally's hotels.

"Make no mistake about it—Joint Council 25 has come together to strengthen this great union," said Coli. "It's so inspiring to see all of our delegates together, standing hand-in-hand to make this year's convention the best in Teamster history."

The National Convention runs from June 27-July 1, 2011. Day One focused on the nationwide War on Workers, with formal proceedings, messages from rank-and-file members, videos from politicians including President Barack Obama and live music. In the morning session, delegates conducted committee business on appointments, reports and resolutions, and watched a special tribute to fallen Teamsters.

Joint Council 25 hosts a luncheon and hospitality suite for all delegates, guests and participating retirees throughout the week. President Hoffa joined nearly 300 Joint Council affiliates for lunch on June 27, shaking hands, signing autographs and posing for photos with members and supporters.

"This week is all about solidarity, with hundreds of Teamsters here to support the International and our Joint Council," said Coli. "Congratulations to all of our affiliates for coming together in Las Vegas to show everyone what our Teamster family is made of."

Keep watching this site for updates throughout the week as the Teamsters' National Convention continues.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

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