Tom Leedham, Secretary-Treasurer, Local 206

Under Ron Carey, Local 804 was one of the most powerful Teamster locals in the country. Teamsters across the country looked up to Local 804 as an example of what our union could be: militant with employers, uncompromising on corruption, committed to putting members first.

As our General President, Ron put the same principles to work with the same record of success, including winning the UPS strike, organized labor’s biggest victory in my lifetime.

At Local 206, we still proudly post the newspaper clipping that announced Carey’s vindication. We miss his leadership and try to follow his example.

Ron Carey was a fighter who stuck to his principles. I know he was proud of the many Local 804 members who do the same.

Tom Leedham served as an International Vice President and as the Warehouse Division Director under Ron Carey.

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