Teamsters Local 317

Teamsters Local 317: More than a Century of Support for the American Dream For over one century, Teamsters have helped many workers bow to their American Dream. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 as craftspersons’ union, representing the team drivers of the horses-drawn wagons utilized in American commerce. The drivers made a prolific contribution to the American economy. They worked for 12-18 hours a day of the week, for seven days of the week, under dire conditions and pay of about $2.00. The above conditions saw the American Dream of quality living. The formation of a giant union was to assist these workers in achieving their dreams (The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, n.d.). Today, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has over 1.4 million members comprising men, women and children living in Canada and the United States.