Part 3/13:
Hoffa's leadership achieved landmark agreements like the National Master Freight Agreement, which secured protections for hundreds of thousands of workers. But his influence drew the attention of more sinister powers — the mob. Recognizing the importance of muscle and protection, organized crime figures began to intertwine with Hoffa's union. The relationship was initially mutually beneficial: the Mafia provided physical security, and in turn, Hoffa's union pension fund, growing to over $2.2 billion, was exploited to finance mob ventures—including casinos, construction, and legitimate businesses—funded by pensions under Hoffa's control.