Local 727 Ratifies New Contract for Chicago Tribune Drivers, Paving Way for Pension Fund Merger

Teamsters Local No. 727 ratified a new contract for Chicago Tribune drivers that paves the way for the merger of the Tribune’s and 727’s pension funds. The contract was ratified at Local 727’s office in Park Ridge, IL.

For the merger of the funds to occur, the Tribune Company must agree to pay a vast sum of money. In return, the company will receive some work rule concessions.

A major provision of the contract includes the creation of a severance package allowing drivers to take a buyout upon the merger of the pensions. The severance pays one week’s salary for each year of service up to 34 weeks and provides medical coverage for 12 months.

“This agreement is a result of not only the union’s strong negotiating skills but also the solidarity of the Tribune membership in understanding what was at stake,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “When many companies’ pension plans are withering away, the union’s is strengthening. We are proud to be able to step up to the plate to preserve the benefits and increase the wages our hardworking members deserve and have earned.”

In addition to wage increases in this diminishing industry, the contract also calls for the Tribune Company to pay for the cost of a training course for drivers so they can acquire a license which would permit them to operate tractor-trailers. The company will pay drivers for their time during training.

Provisions go into effect once the two pension plans are merged. The contract would extend through June 14, 2021.

Anyone with questions should contact Business Agent Melissa Senatore at (847) 696-7500 or [email protected].

Category: Union News