(1913 – 1975)? Controversial president of the Teamsters Union from 1957 to 1971. Hoffa represented to many observers the danger inherent in the growing power of unions in the 1950s.

Beloved by his union members, he negotiated contracts that granted truckers generous wages and fringe benefits, making them the envy of other workers. While openly acknowledging his friendly relations with notorious organized-crime figures, he vigorously defended his honesty as a union leader. Jailed for jury tampering and mail fraud, his attempt to regain the union’s presidency after his release ended with his apparent abduction and death in 1975, allegedly at the hands of the Mafia. His son, Jimmy Hoffa, later became leader of the Teamsters.