PROUDLY REPRESENTING MORE THAN 10,000 HARDWORKING MEMBERS ACROSS ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA
SUMMER-FALL EDITION 2019
TEAMSTERS
LOCAL 743 ALL-MEMBER NEWSLETTER
LOCAL 743 PRESIDENT, DEBRA SIMMONSPETERSON MAKES HISTORY
DEBRA SIMMONS-PETERSON
JAMES THOMAS
LOCAL UNION OFFICE:
PRESIDENT
SECRETARY-TREASURER
4620 S. TRIPP AVE CHICAGO, IL 60632
Local 743 Officers and Staff Directory Stay in Touch with Your Leaders and Business Representatives Debra Simmons-Peterson President (773) 299-1770 dsimmons@teamsterslocal743.com James Thomas Secretary Treasurer (773) 299-1771 jthomas@teamsterslocal743.com Robin Sullivan Vice-President (773) 299-1789 rsullivan@teamsterslocal743.com Christine Salamone Recording Secretary (773) 299-1776 csalamone@teamsterslocal743.com
EXECUTIVE BOARD Tracy Reed-Bowers, Trustee (773) 220-9893 treed@teamsterslocal743.com
Beverly Sisson, Trustee (773) 299-1791 bsisson@teamsterslocal743.com Goleen Bradley, Trustee (847) 650-3227 gbradley@teamsterslocal743.com
AGENTS & OPERATORS
Julita Barrios Union Representative 773-299-1781 jbarrios@teamsterslocal743.com
Vivian Schmitter General Counsel 773-299-1787 vschmitter@teamsterslocal743.com
William Cotton Office Manager 773-299-1786 wcotton@teamsterslocal743.com
Jose Silva Director of Manufacturing 773-299-1775 jsilva@teamsterslocal743.com
Lakeisha Massey Lead Titan Operator 773-299-1779 lmassey@teamsterslocal743.com
Denise Stiger Organizer 773-299-1783 dstiger@teamsterslocal743.com
Robert May Director of Healthcare 773-299-1774 rmay@teamsterslocal743.com Crystal Lindsey Titan Operator 773-299-1780 clindsey@teamsterslocal743.com
Eileen Klees Bookkeeper 773-299-1778 eklees@teamsterslocal743.com 2
Brendan Crowley Attorney 773-299-1792 bcrowley@teamsterslocal743.com
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NOTICE OF NOMINATION OF LOCAL 743 OFFICERS
Nomination of Officers for Teamsters Local 743 will be conducted at a special meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, September 9, 2019, at Teamster City, lower level, 300 South Ashland, Chicago, IL. The following officers will be nominated to serve for a three-year (3-year) term from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022: President, Vice President, Secretary Treasurer, Recording Secretary and three (3) Trustees. Nominations shall be made at the meeting by a member in good standing other than the nominee-by motion and seconded by a member in good standing, other than the nominee. Prospective nominees are advised to verify, in advance of the nomination meeting, the eligibility of themselves, their nominators and seconders. Prospective candidates may not nominate themselves or second their nomination. To be eligible to nominate and otherwise participate in the nomination meeting, a member must have his or her dues paid through the month prior to the month in which the nomination is held. Candidates must accept nominations at the time they are made, either in person or, if absent, in writing. Candidates may accept nomination for only one office. Copies of the Teamsters Local 743 Constitution and Bylaws and rules governing the nominations and election of officers are available, upon written request, at the offices of Local 743 4620 S. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL 60632.
Nomination of Local 743 Officers Monday, September 9, 2019 5:00 p.m. Teamster City Lower Level 300 South Ashland Chicago, IL
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UPCOMING EVENTS MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS RESUME October 7, 2019 6:00 p.m. Local 743 Union Hall, 4620 S. Tripp Ave., Chicago, IL
The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Saturday October 19, 2019 10:00 AM SOLDIER FIELD STADIUM GREEN 1410 S Museum Campus Dr
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A Special MeSsage From The President
A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY-TREASURER James Thomas
Debra Simmons-Peterson
Attend Monthly Membership Meetings: Local 743’s monthly memberPower Lies within the Membership: ship meetings give our members an opportunity to stay informed on union activities and bring their The most important thing to know about your union is that YOU are the issues and concerns to the floor. union. A union is only as strong, effective and powerful as the mem- Read Newsletters, E-Mails, etc: bers who participate in its operation Union Representatives will often and activities. The best way to take provide contract negotiation updates advantage of that power is by being by sending email blasts to keep members informed. Be sure to take informed, involved and active in the time to read whatever material your union. is being sent out by the Union so Some easy ways to make your union you know what is going on. a more powerful and effective tool for advancing your interests include: Participate in steward elections at your workplace: The Union has a process for holding steward elecRead your contract: Your contract tions. Make time to know who is explains your rights and benefits running for union steward. If you at work and is the binding agreeknow of a member who shares ment between the Union and your your views and is a strong leader, Employer. encourage them to run for union steward and make sure you vote. Complete surveys to submit ideas for contract proposals: A few Participate in Union activities: If months before your contract is up for renegotiation, members will re- your union is engaged in an activity ceive a survey from the Union which at your workplace, or any union provides members the opportunity event, try to participate. Remember the Union is YOU. to submit proposals to be considered for inclusion in negotiations. By engaging in some or all of these This is your opportunity to tell us activities, you can guarantee that what’s most important to you and the union will be successful in propose any changes or new ideas representing your interests. We take to improve your workplace. Local 743 has been working very hard to our job very seriously, however, member support is crucial to our enhance our Nursing Home consuccess. I will continue to have an tracts and ensure our members receive the raises and wage adjust- open-door policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel ments they deserve! free to contact me at 773-254-7460. Know your Union Representatives Fraternally and Union Stewards: If you are unclear about what your contract language means, or you need to address an issue, go to one of your Union Stewards or contact your Un- Debra Simmons-Peterson, President ion Representative. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
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Dear Sisters and Brothers:
As the Local’s Secretary-Treasurer, my main focus is to comprise the Union’s administrative backbone and ensure the Union meets all its legal requirements concerning accounting, taxes and reporting, but most importantly, maintain the Union’s integrity and financial health. In addition to these financial duties, Local 743 is constantly striving to provide our members with the best representation possible. Throughout the year, Local 743 has held many successful membership meetings at individual worksites in an effort to listen to the member’s issues and concerns, answer questions and give updates on current contract negotiations. We will continue to visit our different companies on a regular basis to provide our members with the knowledge and personal attention they need. Local 743 will also continue to hold quarterly steward trainings as we move towards the last quarter of 2019. Our Union Stewards are a vital part of the Union. On a daily basis, the steward is the heart, soul and face of the union for most members. Being a steward is a great opportunity as well as a big responsibility. Local 743 will continue to commit whatever resources necessary to educate, support and defend our stewards to help them be as successful as possible. As always, member support is crucial to our success. Our vision of a stronger Union is becoming a reality because of your support. Fraternally, James Thomas Secretary-Treasurer
STEWARDS CORNER Settle Your Differences we know that’s not the case. Some probLearn to stop small work problems before lems fall into “gray” areas. For instance, they become big grievances. say there’s been a verbal fight between a manager and a worker. Both of them Within the union contract, Teamsters said things they shouldn’t have. You know enjoy a vitally important tool that protects some disciplinary action could result. Go their rights on the job — the grievance to the manager and suggest that both procedure. sides might benefit from putting this behind them because it won’t look good for Experienced stewards know that as anyone if it goes any further. valuable as the grievance process is, it’s Look at each situation and decide what’s foolish to rely on it as the sole way to in the best interest of each side to get resolve issues. Sharp stewards often re- things resolved quickly and fairly. Make solve problems without grievances. They your “pitch” on that basis. If it doesn’t have learned techniques over the years of work, you’ve lost nothing. using the grievance procedure in a more strategic way, in addition to tactics that 3. USE THE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE demonstrate the union can, and will, flex WISELY. The union’s credibility is weakits muscles to protect members. ened when it files frivolous grievances. By coming away the loser time after time, How to Creatively Settle Problems With- you’re diminishing your chances of sucout Filing a Grievance ceeding at any other method of settling problems that you might try. 1. BE ON TOP OF THINGS. Know the isDon’t let members bully you into insigsues in your area. On a regular basis, ask nificant grievances by shrieking about the workers in the unit what’s happening. “duty of fair representation.” All the duty Don’t assume they will always tell you of fair representation requires you to do without your asking. Ask them how the is to investigate thoroughly and fairly and work is going, how management is acting, follow due process according to your local what they have experienced that might be union’s guidelines. new or troublesome. Management is also less likely to try to get away with things 4. BUILD A STRONG UNIT. Your effectiveif they know they are dealing with a stew- ness in settling problems without filing ard who is aware of what’s going on and grievances is directly related to how your asking a lot of questions. co-workers demonstrate their support for your union. Most managers don’t want to 2. APPEAL TO THE WORKERS AND THE be outnumbered. They would rather deal MANAGERS. As much as we’d like to with the steward, but will only do so if you think we’re always 100 percent right and have the real muscle of your co-workers management’s always 100 percent wrong, behind you.
COME WALK WITH US IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BREAST CANCER Teamsters Local 743 in partnership with the JC25 Women’s Committee raised over $13,000 dollars for the American Cancer Society’s 2018 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks. Over 100 Local 743 members and their families attended the Soldier Field Walk to help raise money for community health programs and breast cancer research. Tracy Reed-Bowers, Local 743 Trustee and Secretary Treasurer of Joint Council 25 Women’s Committee says its personal for her. “I lost my mom to breast cancer and I have been recently diagnosed myself.” Says trustee Reed. “I walk in the fight against breast cancer to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise HOPE for a cure.’ Each event is a noncompetitive 3 to 5-mile walk that brings people together to make a difference for everyone who has been touched by breast cancer. The events raise money to fund innovative research, provide free information and support, and to help people reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable. This year Local 743 will again joins forces with the Joint Council 25 Women’s Committee and has committed to be the popular Pink Chair Sponsor at the Soldier Feld Walk which will be held Saturday October 19, 2019. “We’re excited to build on last year’s success of raising over $13,000 to fund breast cancer research.” said Trustee Reed, who will be Team Leader again this year. ‘The dedication and commitment of our walkers knows no limits. I’m certain that we can successfully meet this year’s goal, building on the momentum from last year’s walk.” For more information, to donate or join the Local 743 team, please contact Christine salamone local 743 773-254-7460
TOUGHNESS Jermyla Miller, daughter of Local 743 Employee Lakeisha Massey, was diagnosed on September 17, 2018 with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in the upper right shoulder area. Jermyla was only 6 years old. This sudden and unexpected hardship caused Lakeisha to be unable to work full time over the last several months in order to meet the demands of caring for her daughter during her treatment for this illness. At Local 743’s December, 2018 monthly membership meeting, the Local presented little Jermyla with over $7,000 in donations in an attempt to bring them some joy and happiness as they celebrated Christmas. Local 743 is happy to announce that as of June 26, 2019, Jermyla is in remission! She is the toughest and bravest little girl we know. Local 743 and Lakeisha Massey appreciate the many prayers, donations, love and words of encouragement received from Teamsters Local 743 members and staff.
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STEWARDS ARE THE First Line of defense
Robert May, Director of Healthcare
Teamsters Local 743 knows that our union stewards provide an essential function and serve as the fabric that keeps the union functioning as it should. Without quality stewards, the union wouldn’t be able to perform its core job – representing, protecting and defending its members. That’s why Local 743 works hard to provide union stewards with the training and resources they need to ensure they’re ready and able to jump into action when the time comes.This year, Local 743 took a new approach to steward training by providing a series of steward classes that are specifically designed for union stewards. By giving these stewards extra time and additional details about policies, processes and procedures, the union can ensure that the new stewards have all the tools and skills they need to perform their steward duties as well as those with decades of grievance-filing experience. “A strong steward system is the backbone of the union. It makes the union visible to workers and to management. It enables communication, representation and mobilization within the workplace”, says Director of Healthcare Robert May. Local 743 is committed to providing the essential tools that Local 743 stewards need to service our members to the best of their abilities and skills.”
Local 743 Health and Welfare Administration Christine Salamone, Assistant to the President and Local 743’s Recording Secretary, also functions as the Administrator on behalf of the Local 743 Health and Welfare Plan. Local 743 members who are covered under the Local 743 Health and Welfare Plan should contact Ms. Salamone on matters concerning enrollment into the Plan, questions relating to coverage, eligibility, adding or removing dependents, medical claims, applications for short-term disability benefits, life insurance benefits, reimbursement requests, etc. Every November, members have the opportunity to participate in Open Enrollment. Newly hired members are often unfamiliar or not informed of their union benefits and are not made aware by their employer of the opportunity they have to enroll in the Health and Welfare Plan when they are first hired. Consequently, these members are left with no option but to wait until Open Enrollment to enroll in the Plan. Because of this, Local 743 conducts several site visits during the open enrollment period to ensure members have the opportunity to enroll in the Local 743 Health and Welfare Plan. During open enrollment, members can see the Plan options and can get answers to their questions about costs, co-pays, dental and life insurance coverage, etc. Christine Salamone can be reached at 773-299-1776 or by email at csalamone@teamsterslocal743.com.
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MEMBERS’ VOICES ARE HEARD Vice President Robin Sullivan There is a war on Unions. Now is the time for us to stand together to make one big fist. Teamsters Local 743 is working hard to make sure that our Union Representatives and Union Stewards receive the necessary tools, resources, and training to win this war. Our Union has gone to the State Capitol and spoken with Senators and State Representatives to ask for support to have bills passed that will benefit our Nursing Homes and ultimately our hospitals. This bill would define patient ratio for our members who give care to nursing home residents and hospital patients. Teamsters Local 743 has made been successful with organizing new members to join our Local. As Vice-President of this Local, it drives me to fight harder for our members rights, to make sure they received every benefit and opportunity they deserve. Local 743 won’t accept anything less than to make sure our members voices are heard, and all due respect is given. Together we can make OUR UNION even greater.
IN MEMORIAM Beautiful memories silently kept, of ones that we loved and will never forget. Local 743 mourns the recent passing of the following members: Beverly Johnson, Community Care Toya Watkins, UCMC William Dixon, Bagcraft Darlene Davie, University of Chicago Clerical Roberto Fonseca, JLL Daniel Crescenzi, Symphony of Lincoln Park James King, UCMC
Teamsters Local 743 @teamsters743
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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 743
Debra Simmons-Peterson APPOINTED TO JOINT COUNCIL 25 EXECUTIVE BOARD. In a notice sent to all Teamsters Joint Council 25 affiliates, Joint Council 25 President Terrence Hancock announced the formal appointment of Local 743 President Debra Simmons-Peterson as Trustee to the Joint Council 25’s Executive Board effective July 1, 2019. Joint Council 25 President Terrence Hancock personally congratulated and welcomed Local 743 President Simmons to the seven-member board and expressed how much he looks forward to working with her. “I am pleased to announce the formal appointment of Debra Simmons-Peterson to a position of Trustee to the Joint Council No. 25 Executive Board. I, along with the entire Executive Board and staff, look forward to working together and move our joint agenda forward to fulfill our continued commitment to provide unwavering service to our
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TEAMSTERS
HISTORY
Local Union Affiliates and members.” Said Joint Council 25 President Terrence Hancock. As President Simmons- Peterson takes on her new role as Trustee she will become the board’s first African American female board member in it’s over 100-year history. Mrs. Simmons-Peterson has garnered many “firsts”. In 2013 Mrs. Simmons-Peterson became the first African American female to be elected as President of Teamsters Local 743. In January of 2016, Simmons-Peterson was appointed as the first African American female to serve on the Teamsters Volunteer in Politics (T.V.I.P) Committee which convenes monthly to review and provide financial support to political candidates for state and local office who support the interests of organized labor.
“I am both honored and excited, but I also understand the weight of the commitment and responsibility to our local affiliates and members. “says Local 743 President Debra Simmons-Peterson, The history of Joint Council 25 is a powerful legacy of empowerment, equality and justice for over 100 years and I am eager to work with the fellow board members as we work together to fulfill our commitment to provide great service to the members of Joint Council 25. TEAMSTERS JOINT COUNCIL 25’s Executive Board is comprised of elected officials from Joint Council 25’s local affiliates. representing more than 100,000 men and women within 25 local union affiliates.
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lOCAL 743 SUCCESS STORIES Provident Hospital Pharmacy Technicians awarded longevity increases and SHIFT differentials Tracy Reed-Bowers, Trustee After researching other affiliate unions Collective Bargaining Agreements throughout the Cook County Health System, Trustee Reed-Bowers, union steward and Pharmacy Technician for over 25 years at Provident Hospital, observed that the Pharmacy Technicians at other County affiliate locations were receiving weekend and shift differentials as well as longevity increases that exceeded the Technicians at Provident Hospital. Through the grievance process and citing the “Most Favorable Wage” section in the current CBA, Mrs. Reed filed a class action grievance demanding that the Cook County bring the local 743 Pharmacy Technicians up to par with other Technicians through-out the County system. At first reluctant, Cook Country eventually agreed that the “Most favorable wage” section applied to shift differentials as well as longevity increases. Cook County has agreed to adjust the weekend and evening differential and the longevity step as well as award all back pay which goes back to June of 2017. “The Union contract is very clear on this matter, said Trustee Reed, the Pharmacy Technicians at Provident Hospital work very hard under stressful circumstances to provide excellent patient care and our benefits should reflect our hard work.”
Kareem Neal
Aperion Care, Oak Lawn In early July 2019, Local 743 Member Stacy Herring was terminated from her job as an Activities Aide at Aperion Care Oak Lawn. Union Representative Precious Morris knew that this would be a difficult grievance to win because Ms. Herring had a previous history of discipline. Local 743’s motto is “we work hard for its members whether they are right or wrong.” With assistance from Union Steward Kareem Neal, Ms. Morris put up a good fight and got Ms. Herring a second chance agreement. The Union was successful in getting Ms. Herring her job back and she returned to work on July 26, 2019.
Wage theft uncovered at National Container While at a site visit at the National Container Company, Business Agent Julita Barrios was informed of possible wage theft by a member. The member pointed out that they were being required to leave fifteen minutes later to cover break times that they thought should be covered according to the CBA. After researching and consulting President Simmons and Local 743 attorneys, a grievance was filed by Barrios. After several months of discussions and hardwork by Barrios and President Simmons, the company recognized the debt and agreed to compensate all 75 members at National Container. Calculating going back two years and at the overtime rate, the total awarded to members was in excess of $150,000.00, with each member receiving an average of $2,000.00 each. The members were elated after receiving. their monies and expressed their doubt of a positive outcome. “I never thought we would see any of the money owed to us.” one member stated; I didn’t realize the company was cheating us but I’m glad the union helped us to get the monies that were owed to us.”
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Local 743, Always fighting:
Spotlight UCMC
Teamsters Local 743 has always fought hard for its members. In these challenging times, we have strengthened our commitment to our members.
Robert May, Alisa Gibson, George Boone
WRONGFUL TERMINATION, SUSPENSION RETURNS n Local 743 filed several grievances concerning job bids in the EVS department being awarded improperly. Because of the clear contract violation, the union moved to take these grievances to arbitration. In lieu of arbitration the Medical Center settled and properly awarded job bids to EVS workers Eloise Hall, Antoinette Jordan, Patrice Poynter and Victor Webb. n Tameka Weathers (Food Service) was returned from a wrongful suspension and made whole. n Due to the CBA being in place, Patient Transport worker Laylonni Keys, was returned to work after a wrongful termination. n Through the grievance progress EVS worker Tarkisha Stanciel returned to work after a wrongful termination. n Environmental Service department employees are now receiving the required number of uniforms. n Senior EVS employees working at CCD have been returned to their regular schedules after being required to work weekends.
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TEAMSTERS VICTORY AT UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICAL CENTER Director of Healthcare Robert May filed a grievance against the University of Chicago Medical Center for issuing a final written warning to member Alisa Gibson without just cause and not following disciplinary procedures as defined in the contract. Ms. Gibson, a revenue cycle specialist, has been employed at UCMC for over a year. Because of her exemplary work performance and clean record, she could work from home. After an investigation by the Medical Center, alleging that Ms. Gibson was involved in a verbal altercation she was issued a final written warning and her work from home privileges were taken away. At a Third-step grievance hearing, Director of Healthcare Robert May and Union steward George Boone argued that the Medical Center could not show just cause to issue discipline and also that they did not issue discipline within 10-days from their initial investigation that is required by the contract. Subsequently the Union won the grievance and Ms. Gibson’s discipline has been removed and she has resumed working from home.“Being new to this entire process this has been an experience that I will never forget. “said Ms. Gibson, I want to thank both Mr. May and Mr. Boone for always staying in contact with me throughout the entire process. You both were patient and understanding to my situation and for that I will be forever grateful.”
SPSA’s RECEIVE O.R. PREMIUM Kevin Sanders, Chief Union Steward at the University of Chicago Medical Center filed a grievance for the SPSA’s (Surgical Patient Service Assistant) at the Medical Center who were not receiving their Operating Room premium pay rate. This resulted in a settlement agreement between the Medical Center and the Union, where the Medical Center has agreed to pay the SPSA’s for all time lost while working in the Operating Rooms. This is a perfect example of how the Union works for our members.
Pick-a-Plate Online! Teamster license plate: Illinois drivers can purchase Teamster specialty license plates for registered vehicles. Plates can be purchased for all passenger vehicles, B-trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less. Teamster license plates can be purchased or renewed through the Secretary of State’s website, by mail, by phone at (800) 252-8980 or by visiting a driver services facility.
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Local 743 Contract Summary
Jose Silva, Local 743 Director of Manufacturing, has been working tirelessly to enhance contracts to help improve our members lives Wage increases, improved contractual benefits, updated medical benefits Trumbull Asphalt: On June 13, 2019 the members of Trumbull Asphalt voted to ratify their new contract. Upon ratification the employees received a bonus which included PPE allowance totaling $6,100.00. Employees also received a significant wage increase for the remaining years of the contract. Chicago Dryer: For more than 25 years, the workers at Chicago Dryer have traditionally rejected the first and second contract offer by the employer. However, after local 743 Business agent Jose Silva was assigned as the Chief negotiator that pattern was changed. Jose was able to negotiate up until now, the highest wage increases for workers at Chicago Dryer. Consequently, the contract passed unanimously on the first round. The ratification vote was met with a round of applause from the workers at Chicago Dryer. WaterSaver Faucet/Guardian Equipment: WaterSaver Faucet employees have always had to endure many hardships, including rallies and prayer vigils, in order to get a contract. This time around, the workers were able to get the best economic contract since 1988. For the first time in over 3 contracts, all employees were guaranteed a 3% wage increase on the first year of the contract plus a ratification bonus, guaranteed sick days, longer breaks, an increase in the STD, and a 401k matching plan in addition to a pension. The Perfect Attendance Bonus was doubled and dignity and respect language was added. Southwire: Southwire members received the best economic contract in recent memory. All employees received a 5% wage increase in the first year of the contract as well as an increase in their severance and retirement. Approximately ¼ of the lower paid workers received an upgrade bringing them an additional 7% wage increase. Peco Pallet Eddie Jones, a Local 743 member employed at Peco Pallet stated, “this contract is much better than the last one! We didn’t get anything in our first contract! There is no doubt that the workers at Peco Pallet definitely got a better deal this time around. On July 31, 2019, 96% of the members voted to ratify the contract at Peco Pallet. As a result, they will be getting better wage increases, dignity and respect language, lay off and job elimination protection for senior employees, overtime for working on Saturdays, a heat and cold weather protection program, one extra holiday and a bonus incentive program worth an extra $600 per year. “Thank you Jose Silva for your dedication and hard work on our behalf,” said Daniel Sanchez, Local 743 Union Steward at Peco Pallet.
Rush University Medical Center
On July 18, 2019, the members at Rush University Medical Center overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new contract. President Debra Simmons-Peterson and the Negotiating Committee worked tirelessly to get the Rush members a good contract. The members at Rush re-gained being paid for their first sick day, which is a benefit that was lost back in 1993. PCTs and Supply Chain Dept. Workers will gain extra holidays and personal days. PCTs will use their original hire date as their seniority date, thus gaining job security. In addition to excellent wage increases, there was an increase in the shift differential and weekend premium and Retiree Health Insurance was renewed again for the life of this contract.
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LOCAL 743 WORKPLACE SUCCESS STORIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF RECENT WAGE INCREASES, SUCCESSFUL GRIEVANCES, & IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS WaterSaver
MPutterman
Nadia Zamudio has worked at WaterSaver for over 16 years with no discipline on her record. On May 14, 2019, she was disciplined for insubordination at the last step. Nadia adamantly denies she was insubordinate. Nadia contacted the Union. A grievance was filed on her behalf and a grievance meeting was held on June 18, 2019. On June 27, the discipline was removed, and Nadia was exonerated from any wrongdoing. “Jose, I thank you for your support, thank you for being there when we needed your help”
Local 743 member at MPutterman, Jenny Raya suspected that new employees under her same classification were hired at a higher rate. Ms. Raya contacted the Union and after a thorough investigation the union discovered that in fact Jenny was being under paid. On May 14 the Union was able to negotiate with the company a wage adjustment on behalf of Ms. Raya. Jenny’s wages were increased by $1.00 per hour.
Gem Seal On or around June 1, 2019, Dustin Beemer obtained a CDL license /Tanker Endorsement certification. The contract called for a negotiation of the wages once an employee acquires a CDL license /Tanker Endorsement certification. On July 19, the Union was able to negotiate a $5.00-dollar wage increase for Dustin.
SouthWire A Fourteen-year exemplary employee with no prior disciplines, tardy or absences was terminated by the employer citing the no-call-no show policy. Due to his disability, Local 743 member Jose Romero, met difficulties when calling in to report his impending absence. Upon returning to work Mr. Romero was issued a no-call-no show discipline and was terminated. A grievance was filed by the union on his behalf. The union was successful in defending Mr. Romero and arguing a breakdown in communication and Mr. Romero was reinstated to his position at Southwire.
Dobson Plaza Teamsters Local 743 members employed by Dobson Plaza Nursing Home, located in Evanston, Il overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. Local 743 represents nurses’ aides, rehab aides, housekeeping, cooks, dietary, laundry and maintenance workers at Dobson. During negotiations, the Union’s bargaining committee successfully negotiated raises ranging from .40 cent to $2.10. Thanks to these wage increases, senior members with several years of service were able to obtain a larger gap between them and new hires. 11
Claridge Nursing Home For years, Claridge Nursing Home located in Lake Bluff, IL. only had 4 members recognized in the bargaining unit. The company applied unfair labor practices by hiring agency workers through the owners own company and changing job titles to avoid identifying union members that would otherwise be covered under the recognition clause. President Simmons intervened, and after several meetings Claridge and Local 743 came to an agreement adding an additional 31 members to the bargaining unit and waiving initiation fees and back dues. Union steward Mary did an awesome job of keeping track of all employees and making sure each one of them fills out a membership card. She now keeps track of every new hire and makes sure that they recognized as a union member and are listed under their correct job title. Kudos to Mary on a job well done! www.teamsterslocal743.com
NONE OF US IS AS STRONG AS ALL OF US
Teamsters Local 743 along with the University of Chicago Labor Council, Organized a May Day March on Wednesday May 1, 2019 in conjunction with Graduate Students United (GSU) to advocate for workers’ rights at the University of Chicago and in the broader South Side community.