From April 1983 until his death on July 9, 1988, Jackie Presser was president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen and Helpers of America. Presser's father, William Presser, also served as Teamsters' president. As such, Presser's father initially paved the way for his son's leadership within the organization by appointing him Secretary-Treasurer of Local 507 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Presser was an extremely influential leader within the Teamsters' union, particularly while serving as its president. Presser's work resulted in a considerable growth in support for the Teamsters' union and increased its revenue to such an extent that presidential candidates, among others, sought the union's financial backing and endorsement. Presser also strengthened the union's ties to the Republican Party, and even served a labor advisor to President Ronald Reagan for a limited period of time. It was said that, during his career, Presser became one of the highest paid union officials of...