Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Woo-hoo! Another Teamster organizing victory in IL

Let's give a warm welcome to our 40 new brothers and sisters at Local 734 in Chicago. They deliver homemade Italian, French and German breads for the Labriola Baking Company in Alsip, Ill.

Labriola is a growing company whose red-and-black delivery trucks have become a ubiquitous in Chicago. Said Local 734 President Brian Meidel,
Keep an eye out for those familiar red and black Labriola trucks driving around Chicago. The next time you see one, you’ll be passing a Teamster.
Meidel said the delivery drivers at Labriola fought hard for representation, but
...by standing together, they’ve stayed the course toward a powerful Teamster contract. Local 734 has represented bakeries and bakery drivers for more than a century, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Labriola to our proud tradition.
According to Joint Council 25, of which Local 734 is an affiliate,
Just days before the successful election, Teamster representatives from around Illinois rallied behind the drivers in Alsip. Teamsters Local 458M, Local 700, Local 703, Local 727, Local 731, Local 786 and other affiliates showed their solidarity for hours on the city’s south side, shaking hands and speaking with workers.
Joint Council 25 President John Coli said the Labriola drivers should be incredibly proud of themselves.
As a growing Chicago company, Labriola has seen record profits in its industry. It’s gratifying to see workers claim their stake in its success and its future.