Local 727 Representatives Attend SCI Shareholder Meeting and Demand Independent SCI Board Chairman

For the fifth consecutive year, a Teamsters Local 727 representative travelled to Service Corporation International’s Annual Shareholder Meeting in Houston, Texas in May to continue to insist on the appointment of an independent Board of Directors Chairman and to speak to the Board about the ongoing concerns of Funeral Directors in the Chicago market.

Speaking directly to SCI shareholders, Local 727 Senior Business Representative Nick Micaletti and International Brotherhood of Teamsters representative Dan Willet stressed the importance of an independent Chairman, saying, “Not only is an independent chair considered a governance ‘best practice,’ but it is imperative in a case like SCI where the Directors overlook the potential for conflicts of interest by allowing multiple company executives to not only serve but lead the Board long-term.”  The SCI Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the Funeral-industry giant, is currently chaired by SCI’s C.E.O. Thomas Ryan.

Though the proposal did not receive the necessary 51% of votes to pass, it did receive a 5% bump in support over last year’s vote resulting in a record 40% of shareholders voting in favor of an independent chairman.

“Each year we receive more and more support from shareholders,” said John Coli Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727.  “It’s important that we continue to go to Houston each and every year to impress upon the Board of Directors the importance of independent leadership and the needs of funeral directors here in the Chicago market.”

The Union pressed the Board to consider increasing benefit and retirement levels.  Micaletti stressed to shareholders the need for compensation packages that are regionally competitive and their importance in keeping SCI Funeral Directors serving the communities in which they live.

“Local 727 will continue to fight for our SCI members through every available avenue,” added Coli.  “Whether it’s through negotiations, the filing of grievances, or travelling to Texas every May, this Union will not stop until funeral directors receive what is fair and right.”

Members with questions should contact Local 727 Business Representative Nick Micaletti 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 additional grievance. The union does not forfeit its right to make any and all supplemental arguments.

Category: FUNERAL, SCI/Alderwoods