American Notes LABOR

For 30 years the sound of prison doors clanging shut has provided the background music for the transition from one Teamster president to the next. From Dave Beck in 1958 to Jackie Presser in 1986, four of the past six Teamster chiefs have been accused or convicted of felonies, often involving organized crime.

Now the union's 1.7 million members will get a chance to end this sordid history. In a settlement of civil-racketeering charges brought by the Justice Department, the Teamsters last week agreed to far-reaching reforms, including the institution of secret elections by the rank and file. In New York City, Federal District Judge David Edelstein will appoint an elections officer to supervise the 1991 balloting.