Eagle Express Wastes Time and Money Contesting Union Election
Instead of starting the process of negotiating a first contract following the June 9, 2020 democratic election that fairly and legally certified Teamsters Local 727 as the representatives of all full-time and part-time drivers at the Bedford Park location, Eagle Express Lines, Inc. (“Eagle Express”) filed a frivolous Request for Review to contest the validity of the election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The issues raised by Eagle Express have already been fully considered and ruled on by the Regional Director of Region 13 of the NLRB. This anti-union move by the company to appeal the decision certifying Local 727 who was democratically elected is nothing more than a waste of time and money.
After a vast majority of Eagle Express drivers expressed interest in joining Teamsters Local 727, the Union filed a representation petition with Region 13 of the NLRB on April 1, 2020. Both the Employer and the Union agreed to a mail ballot election after Region 13 raised concerns over in-person elections due to COVID -19. Ballots were then sent by Region 13 to each of the eligible employees. Although an overwhelming majority of ballots cast were in favor of Local 727 representation, Eagle Express illogically objected to the mail balloting process despite its explicit agreement to proceed in that manner. When Region 13 appropriately denied the objection and certified Local 727 as the group’s representative, the company filed the Request for Review with the NLRB.
“This group of drivers exercised their federal right to join a Union and together lawfully, and democratically, voted in favor of 727 representation. Rather than honoring their own employee’s democratic choice by negotiating a first contract, Eagle Express seems more interested in wasting money to fight a battle they have already lost. Eagle Express stipulated to the mail ballot procedures, which were followed. Failing to honor the results of those procedures is in bad faith and shows that Eagle Express cannot be trusted. Eagle Express isn’t doing itself any favors delaying the inevitable. The drivers at Eagle Express have made it clear that they want to be Teamsters Local 727 members and we will fight for our brothers and sisters every step of the way to ensure that their democratic choice is honored!” Said John Coli, Jr., Secretary Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727.
Business Agent Melissa Senatore will be hosting a Zoom meeting for all new drivers on Sunday, July 12 at 11:00am. If you have questions or would like to join the meeting but have not received the invite via email, please contact Melissa at (847) 696-7500 or at [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: Union News
