The article updates a 2006 complaint by a Teamsters member about leadership problems in the trade-show division. It treats named allegations as unverified, summarizes the claims (favoritism, rescinded temp promises, alleged illegal activity, stress-related health harm), and outlines steps members can take: document incidents, file grievances, ask the local executive board to investigate, involve the NLRB or OSHA when appropriate, and pursue internal recall or discipline procedures.

Background

This piece reflects the frustration of a Teamsters member in the trade-show division who says local leadership has failed rank-and-file workers. The author describes patterns of favoritism, problematic steward behavior, and alleged misconduct that have left drivers and temps vulnerable during contract work in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) is the union umbrella. Since 2022 the international president has been Sean O'Brien; local leadership and shop stewards handle most day-to-day representation.

Allegations and what we know

The original complaints name specific local leaders and companies: a leader called Johnson/Johnston, a steward named Danny Carpenter, and a supervisor named Orville Couch at G.E.S., plus the Freeman Company in Irving. The claims include favoritism in dispatching work, promises of steady employment to temps that were rescinded, alleged illegal activity, and a report that a temp suffered a heart attack after severe work-related stress. These are serious claims and, as reported here, remain allegations rather than adjudicated findings.

Because the original account dates from 2006, names and situations may have changed, and I have not independently verified the alleged misconduct or health outcome. 1

What members can do now

  • Document everything: dates, times, witnesses, texts, emails, job tickets and any written promises.
  • File a written grievance with your local union and keep copies. Locals must follow their constitution and the IBT constitution for handling charges and recalls.
  • Ask your local executive board to investigate. Locals can remove or discipline officers after due process.
  • If you believe there were illegal labor practices by an employer, consider filing charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or consulting an employment attorney.

Employer role and bargaining

Employers can request a different union representative during talks, but they cannot unilaterally force union leadership changes. During negotiations, raise any representative-conduct concerns on the record and demand transparent steward selection or a neutral grievance panel.

If you're affected now

If stress or health concerns result from work or union interactions, seek medical care and document the diagnosis. For workplace safety issues, contact OSHA. If you fear retaliation, document it and ask your lawyer or union for guidance.

Next steps and accountability

Collective action and clear evidence drive change. Push for internal investigations, recall procedures if allowed by your local, and independent review when allegations involve potential criminal wrongdoing. Above all, prioritize member safety and use formal channels to hold leaders accountable.

2: verify identities, roles, and outcomes mentioned in the original account before asserting them as facts.

  1. Confirm identity and current status of the individual referred to as Johnson/Johnston and their role in the trade-show division.
  2. Verify whether Danny Carpenter held or holds a steward/leader role with the Teamsters in Dallas and any official records of investigations or charges.
  3. Verify any employment or involvement of Danny Carpenter with the TV show "Walker, Texas Ranger."
  4. Confirm employment of Orville Couch at G.E.S. in Grand Prairie, and whether there are documented complaints or company/union actions.
  5. Verify the Freeman Company's contract status with the Teamsters in Irving and any related negotiation records from the period in question.
  6. Verify the report that a temp worker suffered a heart attack linked to work-related stress and whether there are medical or official records.

FAQs about Union Negotiation

Should I publicly name local leaders if I suspect wrongdoing?
Avoid repeated public accusations without documentation. File a written grievance with your local and request an internal investigation. If you believe a crime occurred, report it to law enforcement or unions' ethics channels.
Can the employer force my union to replace its representative?
No. Employers cannot unilaterally replace union representatives. They may, however, request neutral procedures or raise concerns formally during bargaining.
What if I suffer health problems from work stress tied to union dealings?
Seek medical care immediately and document diagnoses. You can report unsafe conditions to OSHA and consult an attorney about workers' compensation or retaliation claims.
How do I start a recall or disciplinary process for a union officer?
Review your local union constitution for recall and disciplinary procedures, collect supporting evidence, and submit charges according to your local's rules. The local executive board must follow due process.