Teamsters Union Criticized for Hosting Rep. Stauber

Local union chapter faces backlash for providing platform to Republican congressman with anti-union record

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A Duluth resident has expressed disappointment in Teamsters Local 346 for giving a platform to Rep. Pete Stauber, a Republican congressman with a history of supporting policies that undermine union protections. The letter writer argues that hosting Stauber is contrary to the principles of organized labor and has damaged the union's reputation.

Why it matters

The decision by Teamsters Local 346 to host Rep. Stauber has sparked controversy, as the congressman is seen as being at odds with the core values and interests of the labor movement. This raises questions about the union's priorities and whether it is effectively representing the concerns of its members.

The details

In the letter, Pierre Tournier expresses disappointment that Teamsters Local 346 gave Rep. Pete Stauber a platform at a recent union meeting. Tournier argues that Stauber, who is sponsored by the Republican party, has consistently taken actions that are anti-union, including decimating protections for over 1 million federal workers. Tournier also criticizes the timing of the meeting, noting that Stauber has seemingly sided with ICE in the killings of Minnesotans. By hosting Stauber, Tournier believes the union has implicitly endorsed these views, which are contrary to the principles of organized labor.

  • The Teamsters Local 346 meeting with Rep. Stauber took place on January 28, 2026.

The players

Teamsters Local 346

A local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labor union based in Duluth, Minnesota.

Rep. Pete Stauber

A Republican congressman representing Minnesota's 8th congressional district, who has a history of supporting policies that undermine union protections.

Pierre Tournier

A Duluth resident who wrote a letter to the editor criticizing Teamsters Local 346 for hosting Rep. Stauber.

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What they’re saying

“Supporting a candidate sponsored by the party which consistently takes anti-union actions, including decimating union protections for more than 1 million federal workers, seems ignorant at best. At worst, it smells like bootlicking and is contrary to the principles of organized labor, which are underpinned by solidarity.”

— Pierre Tournier, Duluth Resident (Duluth News Tribune)

The takeaway

This incident highlights the tensions that can arise when labor unions make decisions that appear to conflict with their core values and the interests of their members. It raises questions about how unions can best navigate the complex political landscape and maintain their credibility as champions of workers' rights.