Teamsters Joint Councils 25, 65 and Local 726 Work Together to Get Bill Passed

Governor Signs Bill Giving $20 Million in Additional Funding to IDOT

Governor Rod Blagojevich signed a Teamster-supported bill giving the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) an additional $20 million of funding on June 6, 2008. 

After an especially harsh winter and the rising costs of fuel, IDOT could not afford to continue all road services without additional funding. 

“Teamsters Joint Council 25, 65 and Local 726 worked together to get this important piece of legislation passed by the House and Senate and signed into law,” said John Falzone, Teamsters Local 726 President.  “IDOT had warned about severe cut backs, which would directly effect Teamster members’ jobs.  We couldn’t let that happen and so have put forth our best effort to get them the funding they need.”

The Teamsters helped push the bill forward in Springfield by demonstrating support before the House Appropriations-Public Safety committee, working with IDOT and talking to individual legislators about the importance of the bill.  On May 31, the bill passed the Senate 55-1-0 and the House concurred 112-1-0. 

“When the Teamsters work in unison, we can make great things happen,” said John T. Coli, Teamsters Joint Council 25 President.  “Supporting our members is the most important thing, whether that be in negotiations or in the Illinois General Assembly.  The more locals and Joint Councils come together for a common goal, the better we can serve our members and fight for their rights.”

Teamsters Local 726 represents 330 IDOT workers in the Chicagoland area, and Local 916 represents 250 workers in southern Illinois. 

Teamsters Joint Council 25 is the governing body of 22 local unions in the greater Chicagoland area.  The Joint Council assists its locals in coordinating Teamster activities, solving problems and organizing. 

Download PDF

MORE NEWS »