IBT General Pres. Jim Hoffa holds a news conference about the union's withdrawal from the AFL-CIO with several other unions to form the Change to Win Coalition.

A wide range of workers who seek to become Teamsters have contacted local unions and the International's Organizing Department since the IBT led a withdrawal of several unions as AFL-CIO affiliates.

Organizing new workers is one of the IBT's primary goals and a fundamental reason cited by IBT General Pres. Jim Hoffa for disaffiliation.

"Our message of bringing new members into the labor movement is resonating with workers," Hoffa said. "Already, we've received a great response, and we will do everything we can to bring these workers–and many others–into our union."

Workers from a wide range of professions–including airline mechanics, FedEx drivers and professional wrestlers, as well as many other trades–have contacted the union for representation.

"We have chosen a course of growth and strength for the American labor movement based on organizing new members," Hoffa said. "Organizing is the lifeblood of our union, and we welcome any and all workers."