Growth
and Power:
The Post-War Years
Following the war, returning veterans were guaranteed
maintenance of their seniority upon return to work. By 1949, membership
had topped one million, the result of effective organizing in booming
industries of the post-war economy such as the automotive trades,
food processing, the dairy industry and the workers servicing an
ever-expanding array of vending machines.
 The
International perfected its strategy of creating multi state bargaining
units, area-wide negotiations and control of the trucking terminals
to make drivers nearly unbeatable in a sustained job action.
At the 1952 convention, after 45 years at the helm
Tobin announced his retirement. Seattle's Dave Beck was elected
his successor.
Between 1952 and 1957, the Teamsters grew in members
and in strength at the bargaining table. In 1955, a 25-state contract
covering all over-the-road and local freight hauling was negotiated.
Making this victory even more remarkable was the fact that 13 of
the states covered by the agreement were in the anti-union South.
At the 1957 International convention held in Miami
Beach, Florida, Jimmy Hoffa was elected President and membership
stood at 1.5.million.
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