"When I was elected in 1998, I knew the journey to rebuild the Teamsters and the labor movement would be difficult. But if we are to build better lives for our families, our communities and our country, it is a journey that we must make.

"The Teamsters are well on their way to transforming the labor movement into a social force that can improve the lives of all working people. To reach our goal, we must engage people in our struggle for social and economic justice. That means reaching out to those in need. We must remind the world that collectively we can make a difference. That one voice may get lost in the crowd, but together our voices will be heard. And when our voice is heard, its impact will be felt around the globe.

"Solidarity is the key to our future, and through solidarity we will prevail in our struggle for fairness and justice."

Since taking office on March 19, 1999, James P. Hoffa has been rebuilding the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

Under Hoffa's leadership, Union membership has increased and, for the first time in nearly ten years, the Union budget is balanced. As a result of renewed solidarity, Teamsters are winning industry-leading contracts, engaging in vigorous contract enforcement and organizing thousands of new members. Teamster positions on the issues of the day - from unsafe Mexican trucks to misguided trade concessions for China - now hold sway in Washington's power corridors. And now, the Union's renewed commitment to political action includes DRIVING America's Future, a new initiative that encourages and supports Teamster members running for political office. This effort will ensure even more Teamster influence in state and national government.

James P. Hoffa has spent a lifetime preparing for the challenge of running the Teamsters Union. He knows, first-hand, what Teamsters can accomplish when they work together. He is determined to lead a Union that is a credit to its proud history.

"The thing I'm most excited about is that together we've tackled the hardest problems head-on and won," says Hoffa. "That's the Teamster way. A national Carhaul agreement, justice for customer service representatives at America West Airlines, keeping unsafe Mexican trucks off our highways, 10,000 new jobs at UPS - all these victories are products of the renaissance of Teamster solidarity."

James P. Hoffa grew up on picket lines and in union meetings. He is the only son of James R. Hoffa, former General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. On his 18th birthday, Hoffa received his own union card and was sworn in by his father. Prior to becoming Administrative Assistant to Michigan Joint Council 43, Hoffa was a labor lawyer in Detroit for 25 years.