PHOTOS: Local 727 Membership Called to Rally for Immigrants, Workers on May Day
President John Coli Jr. presided as officers and representatives updated the membership on contracts, grievances, arbitrations and other union business during Teamsters Local 727’s general meeting on April 30.
In the last month, Local 727 negotiated and ratified new contracts with Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Hilton O’Hare, MPEA Receiving, and Standard Parking Shuttle. SP Shuttle was brought to the bargaining table thanks to Local 727’s leafleting outside Aon Center and Prudential Plaza.
“Standard Parking management had been unwilling to work with the union to complete a new contract for our members,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “I commend our team for their efforts in showing management that we will not back down until drivers get the respect that they are owed. This new collective bargaining agreement is a testament to the power of an organized public campaign.”
Local 727 also has several ongoing contract negotiations, arbitrations, unfair labor practices against employers, and organizing campaigns.
One of the employers the union is fighting against is a parking company, which unlawfully terminated and then unlawfully refused to hire eight long-time attendants. Among the ways the union is battling this employer is through a picketing campaign outside its garage at 2 E. Oak St. in Chicago.
“We will not stand idle when hardworking, loyal members lose their jobs due to the callousness of ownership,” said John Coli Jr. “Protecting union jobs is our highest priority and we are committed to fighting for our members until this issue is resolved.”
President Coli also remarked on the significance of May Day, providing a brief history of its Chicago origins highlighted by the Haymarket Affair that occurred on May 4, 1886. The events of that day ultimately resulted in the establishment of the eight-hour workday.
“May Day is a time to celebrate workers and the hard-won rights that were achieved through much bloodshed,” Coli said. “I invite all of you to come out and rally with us tomorrow so we can show the world that workers, and particularly immigrant workers, have made this country the greatest country in history. May Day reminds us that we all are brothers and sisters in the workplace.”
The next general membership meeting will be held at noon on Sunday, May 21, 2017, at the Local 727 meeting hall, 1300 W. Higgins Road, Suite 114, Park Ridge, IL. Pastries and coffee will be served, and prizes will be raffled.
Category: PHOTOS, Union News
