NCJ Number
79274
Journal
Journal of Social and Political Studies Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1977) Pages: 91-105
Date Published
1977
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Methods of labor racketeering, the disappearance of James Hoffa, and Federal efforts against labor racketeering are discussed.
Abstract
Labor racketeering involves a labor union and a criminal syndicate. Although evidence shows labor unions to be the victims of manipulative criminal organizations, some labor unions may initiate collusion by seeking various criminal services. Some methods of labor racketeering are illegal kickbacks on pension fund loans, labor contract extortion, sharing of crime profits with collusive union officials, use of unions to inhibit competition and further the interests of 'front' or otherwise legitimate businesses controlled by organized crime, and employee kickbacks to secure or retain jobs. Other racketeering activities include organized crime 'services' on job sites, padding payrolls with 'ghost' workers, union business given to criminally controlled firms, use of labor 'mediators' provided by organized crime, arrangement of 'sweetheart contracts,' and loans between criminal and labor organizations. One of the more lurid indications of organized criminal infiltration of a major international labor union can be seen in the disappearance, apparent abduction, and likely murder of former Teamsters Union president James R. Hoffa. Persons being investigated in Hoffa's disappearance have links to both the Teamsters Union and organized crime. On balance, Federal efforts against organized crime activity in and through labor unions have been a qualified failure. All the sophisticated techniques, hundreds of agents, and unmatched power to work through an uncorrupted judicial structure have proved inadequate at the Federal level. Responsibility for some of the most effective anti racketeering efforts must be given to investigative journalists and local police officials committed to exposing organized crime activities in their jurisdictions. Seventeen footnotes are provided.