Teamsters Local 79 History

We are proud of our Local Union’s history. Local 79 has been representing members and negotiating contracts in southwest Florida since 1936. We have to acknowledge our forefathers for our success in their willingness, wisdom and courage to take the stance to create better working conditions and job security for themselves and future generations.

Local 79 was chartered by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) as a general Local Union. In our 75-plus year history, we have organized and represented just about every imaginable job possible. Local 79 has had a proud history in the representation of our members and organizing the unorganized. Without our continued commitment and dedication to organize the unorganized, Local 79’s membership would not be as strong as it is today. Local 79’s jurisdiction covers southwest Florida, Collier County north to Citrus County, and anywhere in between. Presently Local 79 represents about 40 companies, at nearly 100 different locations.

Now is the time to take the next step on behalf of our forefathers to carry on their heritage. Or, will you merely wait for tomorrow or someone else to take the first step? The question has to be asked, would we be here today if our forefathers had that attitude? That is why it is so important that we get involved with the IBT and Local 79. Today unions are being attacked on two fronts, big business and the government. Remember, we must elect our politicians to represent and protect us, not to destroy us. If our representatives are not listening to us, then it is obvious they are not aware of our issues. So, if they are not helping us, then they are hurting us.

It’s time to organize our strength in the political arena by having one collective voice. Our voice to politicians has to be that they must listen to our concerns and act on them or we will find a politician who will.