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March 10, 2000 10:30 AM, EST

The Teamsters started off March with several items on their plate, including proposed changes in election rules and the end of a hearing over the conduct of a union leader in New Jersey.

Future candidates face guidelines aimed at weeding out “soft money.” The union is taking steps to end those types of contributions.

According to the Teamsters, the revisions are a result of an election scandal involving the illegal funneling of union funds to the 1996 campaign of Ron Carey, who beat current leader James P. Hoffa. Months after his victory, a federal overseer disqualified Carey as president and banished him from the union.

After a comment period of 30 days, Teamsters officials will discuss the changes with the U.S. Attorney, who oversees union activities as part of a 1989 decree.

In the New Jersey case, a three-member panel concluded on March 3 its hearings into wrongdoing by John P. Morris, the removed secretary-treasurer of Local 115. He is accused of purchasing weapons with union funds and intimidating “disloyal” members.

The panel is reviewing testimony and will make a recommendation within 60 days to Hoffa, who will make a final decision.