Lewis, a 30-year Local 688 member, began his career working in the Century Foundry (Federal Mogul) on Forest Park Avenue. Lewis services a wide variety of industries as business representative, including plumbing supply, liquor wholesale and warehouse. Lewis served as a shop steward for 19 years, on various negotiating committees and as a Political Education Committee member. He spearheaded the process to form the first chapter of the Teamsters National Black Caucus in St. Louis. The Executive Board appointed Lewis Recording Secretary on December 1, 2004.

"As a young man, I was inspired by some of the Business Agents - the way they conducted themselves, and the way they handled themselves at the bargaining table. I wanted to be a part of that."

Lewis has seen the union change over the years, since he began working as a stock clerk at Wagner Brake in 1975. He has seen membership decrease at Local 688, and in some ways, the degree of influence that the union once wielded decrease along with it. Lewis believes this issue can be addressed with greater education of young workers entering the union, something that Local 688 has worked to address with its Shop Steward education program, which covers all aspects of unionism, including communication with new members. At the same time, Lewis has seen a positive shift in the way the Local is managed. "We’re more accessible now," he said. The Executive Board's open-door policy, expanded training program and increased presence in workplaces are examples the accessibility that Lewis believes is important for unions.

Lewis, who has served as a group leader for newer staff members, enjoys helping and educating members, stewards, and staff.

Career Overview:

• Current Roles in Local 688:
  • Recording Secretary
  • Business Representative
• Appointments:
  • President, Teamsters National Black Caucus—St. Louis Chapter
  • Trustee, Saint Louis Labor Health Institute
  • Management Team Member, Teamsters Local 688 Real Estate Company
• Labor Experience
  • 1975-1992: Wagner Brake (Federal Mogul)
  • 1977-1992: Shop Steward, Wagner Brake
  • 1992-Present: Business Agent, Local 688
  • 2004-Present: Recording Secretary, Local 688
• Personal
  • Family - Married wife Jeri Lynn in 1997. He has four adult children from a previous marriage; Jeri Lynn has two adult children from a previous marriage. They have five grandchildren: Joshua, Demetrius, Christian, Demya, and John Oliver.
  • Hobbies/Interests - golf and singing (Lewis sings with a group that performs a gospel musical written by his brother-in-law, a Grammy Award-nominated songwriter.)

Contact:
314.513.5804
rlewis@688online.org