Meet the Teamsters Brothers and Sisters of Fleischmann’s Vinegar
Members of Teamsters Local 727 who work at Fleischmann’s Vinegar, the world’s largest producer of commercial vinegar, have continued to push forward through the pandemic, doing their part to keep the U.S. supply chain up and running. A typical day at their Gage Park facility, located at 48th and Oakley Ave, involves members of 727 loading between 75,000 and 100,000 gallons of vinegar from the plant into semi-trailers for delivery throughout the US. This past month has been no exception. In fact, this month there has been a reported increase in demand for the vinegar products that are produced onsite at the plant. In total, the Local 727 members who work at the Gage Park facility are responsible for processing over 4 million gallons of vinegar each year.
727 represents four positions that make up this bargaining unit, including: Drum House, Bulk Loader, Production Operator, and Specialty Operator. Along with malt, rice, and apple cider vinegars, specialty products produced by Fleischmann’s include: balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, and a variety of cooking wines. These Chicago Teamsters are proudly the top Fleischmann’s plant in the country according to production numbers reported out of other plants located Baltimore, MD, Montgomery, Al and Sumner, WA.
National Vinegar Day isn’t until November 1st, but here are some fun facts about Vinegar:
- Vinegar can be used as substitute for fresh lemon juice
- White Vinegar can help treat sunburn.
- The term “vinegar” comes from the French word “vin aigre” meaning sour wine.
- Vinegar was discovered over 10,000 years ago.You can use full strength white distilled vinegar to kill grass on sidewalks
- Vinegar can help soothe a queasy stomach.
- The shelf life for Vinegar is almost indefinite due to acidic nature. It is self-preserving and does not need refrigeration.
This group’s current collective bargaining agreement runs through April 30, 2022. At that time, Local 727 will have its first chance to bargain with parent company Kerry Group. This will be the second overall agreement negotiated by Local 727 with Fleischmann’s and the Union looks forward to negotiating a contract that recognizes the undeniable hard work of 727 members.
Questions should be directed to Business Agent Nicholas Micaletti at (847) 696-7500.
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: BEVERAGE, Union News
