Hispanic Teamsters converge in LA

Add caption

Members of the Teamsters National Hispanic Conference begin caucusing today in Los Angeles as they look forward to a star-studded program.

The legendary Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez, will speak. So will former Teamster and now-Congressional candidate Jose Hernandez. Hernandez worked in a cannery as a member of Teamsters Local 601. Just yesterday, the blogger Kos wrote this about him:

There are few people in Congress who have accomplished so much after starting with so little. Heck, there are few people anywhere that have done so.

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall and U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis -- daughter of a Teamsters shop steward -- will make video presentations.

George Miranda, president of the TNHC, noted that much of the Teamsters recent growth has come from its Hispanic members. Miranda, secretary-treasurer of Local 210 in New York City and an international vice president, said:

In this election year, the many issues that matter to Hispanic and Latino members of our great union are at the center of national, state and local politics.

That’s why it’s important for us as Teamsters to come together this year to discuss these issues. Hispanic members are a valued part of the Teamster family and the unity of our Caucus is critical to preparing for the elections and the year ahead.

For frequent updates about the caucus, click here.  For the Day One photo gallery, click here.