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Ron Carey and the Teamsters: How a UPS Driver Became the Greatest Union Reformer of the 20th Century by Putting Members First
Probes the enduring impact, and devastating fall, of one of the greatest union organizers of the 20th century
In this riveting account, retired UPS driver and unionist, Ken Reiman, gives us the first in-depth portrait of Ron Carey as he rose from a local union officer in the mid-1960s, to president of what was, in 1991, the largest labor union in the United States.
For many years, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters was one of this country's most corrupt unions, with close ties to organized crime. Hundreds of officers drew enormous salaries while doing no work. Pension funds were drained to build Las Vegas casinos. Ultimately many Teamster leaders were either sent to prison―Ron Carey among them―or killed. But because he was willing to put members first, Carey and the Teamsters were able to defeat UPS and the major trucking companies along with their many enemies in the mob, in corporate boardrooms, and in the halls of Congress. In the process Carey tangibly transformed the lives of countless workers.
Drawing on transcripts from court hearings, public records, newspaper references and over fifty first-person interviews―including several off-the-record conversations―Reiman brings us the untold story of Carey’s meteoric rise and demise.
In this riveting account, retired UPS driver and unionist, Ken Reiman, gives us the first in-depth portrait of Ron Carey as he rose from a local union officer in the mid-1960s, to president of what was, in 1991, the largest labor union in the United States.
For many years, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters was one of this country's most corrupt unions, with close ties to organized crime. Hundreds of officers drew enormous salaries while doing no work. Pension funds were drained to build Las Vegas casinos. Ultimately many Teamster leaders were either sent to prison―Ron Carey among them―or killed. But because he was willing to put members first, Carey and the Teamsters were able to defeat UPS and the major trucking companies along with their many enemies in the mob, in corporate boardrooms, and in the halls of Congress. In the process Carey tangibly transformed the lives of countless workers.
Drawing on transcripts from court hearings, public records, newspaper references and over fifty first-person interviews―including several off-the-record conversations―Reiman brings us the untold story of Carey’s meteoric rise and demise.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 9, 2024
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About the author
Ken Reiman
16 books1 followerKen Reiman is a United States diplomat experienced in guiding Fortune 100 companies to expand and enter new markets across Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. He is a global foreign affairs leader with a proven track record in foreign policy formulation, implementation, lobbying, and strategic external engagement. When significant contracts, collateral and resources are at stake, Ken has the international business acumen to achieve success in high-paced and high-stress operating environments.
Ken combines his passion for foreign policy and international business to resolve complex political, economic, and operational challenges. He has worked in Tokyo, Japan as a Business Development Manager to address Japan’s energy security needs. He brought technological innovation hubs to Africa, among his numerous other noteworthy accomplishments. Ken’s love of innovation and diversity stems from his Japanese American roots and multicultural background.
When Ken is not guiding organizations and individuals to succeed in foreign operating environments, he is an author who enjoys chronicling/composing, as well as raising two energetic boys.
Ken combines his passion for foreign policy and international business to resolve complex political, economic, and operational challenges. He has worked in Tokyo, Japan as a Business Development Manager to address Japan’s energy security needs. He brought technological innovation hubs to Africa, among his numerous other noteworthy accomplishments. Ken’s love of innovation and diversity stems from his Japanese American roots and multicultural background.
When Ken is not guiding organizations and individuals to succeed in foreign operating environments, he is an author who enjoys chronicling/composing, as well as raising two energetic boys.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 5, 2024
The anxiously awaited release of Ron Carey and the Teamsters is a satisfying reward for the long journey to its completion. Reiman is indeed the right man at the right time. Who could better tell the story than a member of the group that Carey paid tribute to in his campaign slogan, Putting Members First; a member of IBT Local 804.
Reiman's book is a work of love! Like the hero of the story it has compassion, insight, honesty, and a profound respect and appreciation for the principal and integrity that was Ron Carey and Putting Members First. This work of love, the book, was a fitting homage to the work of love, the career, that was Ron Carey. It documents Carey’s lifetime commitment to the movement and the members, his unrelenting persistence to Putting Members First, in very intimate detail. It will be cherished by Teamster and Labor historians alike.
The Carey years came at the height of my Teamster activism. I can literally say that every chapter of this book was a trip down memory lane. Thank you for the memories and thank you Ken Reiman for the accuracy of your work.
Like the labor leaders of a bygone era, Carey has suffered the anguish of the persecution that comes with opposing the prevailing winds of corporate America. In spite of that, he has emerged as a working class hero. I trust that this work and those memories, held by so many, is the catapult that propels Ron Carey to his rightful place in the pantheon of American labor leaders!
Reiman's book is a work of love! Like the hero of the story it has compassion, insight, honesty, and a profound respect and appreciation for the principal and integrity that was Ron Carey and Putting Members First. This work of love, the book, was a fitting homage to the work of love, the career, that was Ron Carey. It documents Carey’s lifetime commitment to the movement and the members, his unrelenting persistence to Putting Members First, in very intimate detail. It will be cherished by Teamster and Labor historians alike.
The Carey years came at the height of my Teamster activism. I can literally say that every chapter of this book was a trip down memory lane. Thank you for the memories and thank you Ken Reiman for the accuracy of your work.
Like the labor leaders of a bygone era, Carey has suffered the anguish of the persecution that comes with opposing the prevailing winds of corporate America. In spite of that, he has emerged as a working class hero. I trust that this work and those memories, held by so many, is the catapult that propels Ron Carey to his rightful place in the pantheon of American labor leaders!
March 28, 2024
As a retired member of Teamsters local 804 (The Home Of Ron Carey), I was looking forward to this book. Ron was my business agent and the local President back when I was a new teamster. I had many interactions with him and Ken Reiman captures Ron’s spirit and his drive to once again make the Teamsters a strong proud union. Ken is a former UPS driver and Local 804 Business Agent that mixes his own thoughts along with the facts in a way that only his insights could allow. I can’t recommend this book enough. Thank you for shining the light on Ron for all to see what a truly remarkable leader he was.
May 29, 2024
Having worked for and with Brother Carey, I found this an enlightening read. It refreshed my memories of events and the people involved. Ken captures the essence of a man who was totally committed to the average member and the representation they not only wanted but deserved. Ron paid a heavy price for standing against corporate America and the entrenched political establishment. It reminds me that the battle is never won simply by electing one person. God knows the Teamsters and the entire labor movement could use a man like Ron Carey right now. Thanks Ken and Ron!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews