Butch Lewis

“The Butch Lewis Act is a historic win for workers” 

Butch was a Vietnam veteran, who survived a war injury that ended his baseball career. He wasn’t one to complain, however. He became a dedicated Teamster, a long time TDU member, and a caring person who never tooted his own horn.  

He believed in honest work and justice and put his beliefs into practice. He was a freight driver and steward for Holland Motor and was well-respected by his co-workers. He became a business agent, and later served a term as the President of Cincinnati Local 100.

Butch stood up for solidarity and democracy. He served on the TDU Steering Committee and ran for International Vice President on the 2006 Tom Leedham slate, working to bring integrity and solidarity to the Teamster leadership. 

Butch retired from union office on December 31, 2013.  However, even in retirement Butch didn’t stop working for the betterment of Local 100 and all Teamsters and immediately took up the fight for much needed pension reform.  Butch, along with his wife Rita, worked tirelessly, traveling extensively and knocking on the doors of any politician who would listen.  With the help of many other retired and active Teamsters, as well as supporters from all walks of life, the movement gained traction throughout the Central Region and beyond.  

Tragically as the fight gained momentum and headway was being made, Butch suffered a fatal stroke and passed away suddenly in early 2015.  Admirably, Rita and those close to Butch took up the fight and continued with the help of many allies made along the way.  As a result, several versions of what is now known as “The Butch Lewis Act” were penned in Butch’s memory with the final version passing and being signed into law in 2021 as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.  This legislation ultimately staved off insolvency for roughly 100 multi-employer pension funds, including the Central States Pension Fund which was projected to run out of money in 2025.

It is a fitting tribute to Butch Lewis that the pension protection bill be named in his honor.