CHICAGO – Employees at Qualawash Holdings LLC, d/b/a Depot Connect Inc. (Qualawash) represented by Teamsters Local 727 voted to unanimously authorize an unfair labor practice strike which began this morning. Teamsters Local 727 represents approximately 60 intermediate bulk container technicians, cleaners, washers, leaders, maintenance water treatment, coordinators and mechanics employed by Qualawash at its Chicago facility located at 803 East 120th Street. Teamsters Local 727 worked diligently over the weekend to try to reach a deal with Qualawash before the parties’ extension expired on August 31, 2026. Unfortunately, Qualawash refused to make any further movement towards a tentative agreement.
Regrettably, Qualawash’s illogical and disrespectful behavior throughout bargaining did not end there. This morning, representatives from Qualawash management engaged in violence towards the lawful ULP strikers including almost hitting ULP strikers with their vehicle. The Union immediately contacted Qualawash about this incident and is yet to receive any formal documentation of any investigation or efforts made by the Qualawash to prevent it from happening again. As of today, the Union has filed six separate unfair labor practice charges against Qualawash including allegations including: bad faith bargaining, unilateral changes, threats, interrogation, surveillance, misrepresentations, and violence.
“If there is one thing that cannot be disputed, it is that Teamsters Local 727 does not back down to bullies or intimidation tactics like the ones Qualawash is displaying. Qualawash should be ashamed of their behavior. Our Teamsters workers have accepted far less than they deserve and disrespect from management for years. They are finally saying enough is enough and want what is fair. The Company needs to spend their time focusing on reaching a deal rather than bullying our members,” said John Coli, Jr., Teamsters Local 727 Secretary-Treasurer.
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
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CONTACT: Caleen Carter-Patton
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.