In Initial Proposed Contract Changes, FDSA Wants Draconian Cuts Made to Local 727 Funeral Member Pay and Benefits

| May 30, 2017

New contract negotiations between Teamsters Local 727 and Funeral Directors Service Association of Greater Chicago (FDSA) were held May 25, 2017. The talks centered on FDSA’s proposed contract changes, many of which could best be characterized as punitive toward Teamster funeral directors, embalmers, and drivers.

Among the changes FDSA proposed are cuts to sick, personal and vacation days, enforcing a wage freeze for the length of the contract, and the elimination of overtime pay.

“FDSA’s proposals are mean-spirited and draconian in nature and show a lack of respect for our members,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “These are highly successful businesses that became that way due to our members’ hard work. They certainly deserve better than this.”

FDSA also wants to see employees contribute 20%, on a monthly basis through payroll deduction, of the cost of company-provided health and welfare, pension, and legal and educational assistance benefits. With the employer paying $2,727 per month, this means each funeral director would pay approximately $545 per month, or $6,545 per year.

Further still, FDSA wants funeral directors and embalmers to begin their work day between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. New hires may be hired for any shift.

CLICK HERE to read and download the proposal.

Please provide any feedback to your business agent, Zach Frankenbach, at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

Category: FDSA, FUNERAL

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