Teamster Participation Integral to Illinois Primaries

Rallies, Volunteer Efforts Define Final Election Push

Illinois Teamsters can play significant roles in ensuring victory for labor-friendly candidates in the upcoming primaries on February 2, 2010.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 is partnering with the Service Employees International Union for a rally to support Pat Quinn for governor. At 10 a.m., Saturday, January 30, 2010, union members and supporters will rally at the Holiday Inn at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart to celebrate the consistent contributions Gov. Quinn has made to the quality of life for working families throughout Illinois.

Click here to download a flier for the Quinn rally

“From his signing of the capital bill to his expansion of prevailing wage laws, Pat Quinn is the labor candidate and deserves each and every Teamster’s full support,” said John T. Coli, President of Joint Council 25. “Between the Teamsters and SEIU, nearly 1,000 union supporters will rally behind a primary victory for Gov. Quinn at the Merchandise Mart.”

Less than 24 hours later, the Teamsters will play host to a rally in support of State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ election to the U.S. Senate. At 9:30 a.m., Sunday, January 31, 2010, union members and supports will gather in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood at the Teamsters Local 705 Auditorium at Teamster City. Joint Council 25 endorsed Giannoulias in October for the Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama.

Click here to download a flier for the Giannoulias rally

Volunteer efforts are also available to Teamster members leading up to Tuesday’s primaries. The Quinn for Illinois campaign is operating a phone bank most evenings in which Teamsters can participate and help remind Illinois voters of Quinn’s enduring labor support. The phone bank will run 5-9 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday, January 27-28; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, January 30; and 2-6 p.m., Sunday, January 31, 2010 at Chicago’s Crain’s Building, 16th Floor, 360 N. Michigan Ave.

Volunteers interested in joining the phone bank can contact George Sweeney of the Quinn campaign at (312) 654-8888 or e-mail phonebank@quinnforillinois.com. Food and refreshments will be provided each evening.

“With just a few days remaining before voters go to the polls, the participation of Illinois Teamsters is critical to strengthening the voice of labor in Washington and across our state,” said Coli. “By taking the time to become more politically active, every single union member can make a difference in the lives of hardworking men and women.”

Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 members throughout Illinois.

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