Although the Teamsters Union was not always so pernicious and influential, its growth and corruption in the 20th century have permeated labor, business, and politics. Teamster history is characterized by such names as Jackie Presser, Jimmy Hoffa, Richard Nixon, Ed Meese, Robert Kennedy, Elliot Ness, and Detroit's Purple Gang. Violence and perversion of union ideals, and the avarice of union officials, businessmen, and politicians, have combined to make the union disreputable. Even though Teamster corruption is emphasized, the authors also discuss some progress the union has made for American workers and how it could achieve more. 50 references.