The rituals of Teamsters An ethnographic perspective of the production of union legitimacy

Abstract

This article describes and analyzes a series of events organized by the Teamsters union during 2018, with the aim of highlighting the ritualized aspects of these events and to show that the primary function of these rituals is to foster adherence to the union and its leaders. I argue that through celebrations, commemorations, solidarity acts, and other events, relationships are formed that are crucial in union representation, as these occasions constitute integral aspects of the union's internal life. The article explores how these ritualized events are intricately connected to the union's capacity to construct representation. I illustrate how the establishment of legitimacy for both the union and its leaders is key to comprehend their negotiating and mobilization capabilities. The analysis and depiction of these situations gain significance when correlated with the leaders' ability to represent the trucker workers.