Paul “Red” Dorfman was born in 1901 and rose from humble beginnings to become a significant figure in both the labor union world and organized crime. His early life in Chicago shaped his path, as he became involved in the Chicago Waste Handlers Union. By the 1940s, he had climbed the ranks to become the union’s secretary-treasurer, a position that gave him considerable influence.
Dorfman was known for his ability to bridge the gap between labor unions and the Chicago Outfit, the city’s dominant organized crime syndicate. His connections to mob figures like Tony Accardo and his mentorship of Jimmy Hoffa were pivotal in his rise to power. Dorfman played a key role in introducing Hoffa to influential mobsters, which helped Hoffa consolidate pow
Paul “Red” Dorfman played a critical role in forging the link between the Teamsters Union and organized crime, serving as a key intermediary who bridged the worlds of legitimate labor leadership and the underworld. His position as the head of the Chicago Waste Handlers Union in the 1940s provided him with the influence and connections to serve as a conduit for the Chicago Outfit’s interests.
Dorfman’s rise to prominence put him in a prime position to introduce influential figures within the Teamsters Union—most notably Jimmy Hoffa—to organized crime leaders. Hoffa, who sought to consolidate power and expand the Teamsters’ reach, found a willing mentor in Dorfman. It was through Dorfman’s connections that Hoffa gained access to mob figures, securing alliances that allowed the Teamsters to grow while serving as a financial resource for the mob.
One of the key intersections of their collaboration was the misuse of the Teamsters’ pension fund. Under Dorfman’s guidance and Hoffa’s leadership, the pension fund was funneled into investments that benefited organized crime, including casinos in Las Vegas. This mutually beneficial relationship helped the Chicago Outfit and other mob families expand their financial operations, while providing the union with added muscle and influence.
Dorfman’s ties also extended to Jack Ruby, whom he reportedly mentored before Ruby became infamous for killing Lee Harvey Oswald. This connection underscored Dorfman’s extensive reach and his ability to navigate between the spheres of labor, organized crime, and broader national events.
Despite his reputation as a behind-the-scenes operator, Paul “Red” Dorfman’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the darker chapters of American labor history. His alliances with Jimmy Hoffa and the Chicago Outfit marked an era when unions and the mob were intricately connected, shaping the dynamics of both worlds for decades.
In his later years, Paul “Red” Dorfman continued to wield influence through his connections to the Chicago Outfit and the Teamsters Union. However, his reputation became increasingly tarnished due to allegations of corruption and misuse of union funds. He faced scrutiny for his role in funneling money from the Teamsters’ pension fund into ventures that benefited organized crime, including casinos and other enterprises.
Dorfman passed away in 1971, but his legacy remained controversial. His son, Allen Dorfman, carried on his connections to the Teamsters and the mob, eventually becoming a central figure in the misuse of the pension fund. Allen’s murder in 1983 further underscored the dangerous intersection of organized crime and labor unions.
"The Underworld Observer." 
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