District Judge Dismisses Chicago Tribune Attempt to Overturn Arbitration Award, Sides with Local 727

Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Manish Shah dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Chicago Tribune against Teamsters Local 727 and, as a result, blocked the Company’s attempt to overturn the July 2018 “gap pay” arbitration award.

The arbitration award was issued last year by arbitrator Amedeo Greco.  The neutral arbitrator determined that the Tribune had violated the collective bargaining agreement when it ceased its long-standing past practice of paying drivers gap pay when they were called into work within the ten-hour guaranteed rest period between their shifts.  The Tribune was subsequently ordered by Arbitrator Greco to make whole affected newspaper delivery drivers.  Rather than abide by the final and binding arbitration decision, the Tribune filed a lawsuit with the U.S. District Court in an attempt to vacate the award.

“The Tribune’s attempt to vacate the gap pay award is an insult to our wronged members” said John Coli, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727.  “Local 727 demands the Chicago Tribune focus on fulfilling it lawful obligations under the signed CBA.”

Members with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

Nothing in this article should be read as the union’s waiver of any legal argument, position or grievance(s), or as a waiver of any rights, arguments, or defenses under any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or applicable law.  The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: Newspaper