UPS driver settles lawsuit against Teamsters

MIAMI -- A United Parcel Service worker has settled a lawsuit against the Teamsters Local 769 after he was allegedly attacked by union workers in a 1997 strike. The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation represented Roderick Carter in the suit that claimed the Teamsters organized threats and violent acts toward non-striking members.

As part of the settlement, Carter was barred from revealing specific details of the agreement. In the lawsuit, Carter sought an amount in excess of $15,000. Foundation lawyers believe the attack was encouraged by former Teamsters President Anthony Cannestro Sr.

Carter appeared on the evening news August 6, 1999, because he continued to work through the Teamsters strike. That night he received a threatening phone call which phone records allegedly traced to Cannestro's home.

The next day on his route, Carter was allegedly pulled from his truck by five union workers, kicked, beaten and stabbed six times with an ice pick.

Carter filed suit Sept. 1, 1999, against the Teamsters Local 769, the attackers and union officials, accusing them of racketeering, civil conspiracy, assault and battery. Magdiel Dale Perez, a union UPS package driver, said in a deposition that he heard Cannestro Jr. "telling members to take a violent approach to the drivers if [seen] on the street."

Perez said drivers also were told the Teamsters "had bail bonds for anyone who got arrested," as well as legal counsel if charges were brought.

"The main thing about this case is that it does highlight the fact that this type of thuggery and violence is alive today," Foundation spokesman Randy Wanke said. "It shines a light on some of the activities that are taking place at the Teamsters. They are heavy into violence and thuggery to get what they want." The Teamsters Local 769 did not return calls for comment.

By Susy Phillips
--Trucker Staff
April 30, 2001