Local 700 Expands Member Communications With Second Town Hall Conference Call
Teamster Leaders Share Updates, Field Questions From Members
The 13,000 members of Teamsters Local 700 had an opportunity to hear from and ask questions of their union’s leaders during a tele-town hall conference call April 28.
It was the second teleforum conducted by Local 700, following a successful call in December that addressed concerns after Locals 714 and 726 formed one of the largest and most powerful locals in the country.
“It’s important that we have the chance to communicate openly and frequently with our members,” said John T. Coli, Trustee of Local 700. “Members are why we’re here, and they deserve to be well-informed of the local’s progress.”
Listen to the April 28 Teleforum:
Coli, Assistant Trustee Bill Logan, General Counsel Kevin Camden and stewards John Figueroa and Hector Hernandez each shared updates on their respective areas of expertise. Logan also fielded questions from members who called in to express their concerns on various issues.
The local’s representatives emphasized the following facts:
• Communication is a top priority. TeamstersLocal700.com is up and running – with site updates on tap for this summer – the first all-member newsletter is in circulation and promotional items are being distributed.
• Local 700 has been and will continue to actively pursue arbitration. There have been many victories in the past few months – including the reversal of two 29-day suspensions by Cook County Department of Corrections officers and the return of tens of thousands of dollars in wages and benefits to workers in Markham, Illinois.
• The local is working hard to get contracts ratified to secure and improve wages, benefits and working conditions for Teamsters. For example, Highland Park Police Department, Orland Hills Public Works and Oak Forest Public Works all recently ratified new contracts.
• The local is active in various political and legislative initiatives. As the November general election approaches, members are encouraged to volunteer their time and support to help elect Gov. Pat Quinn and Alexi Giannoulias, who is running for the U.S. Senate.
As Local 700 continues to grow and take shape, representatives will hold more teleforums to inform members of goings-on and address any concerns.
Teamsters Local 700 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.
