Stepan Continues Lockout After Seven Hours of Negotiations

More Than 200 Teamsters Still Locked Out Following Contract Expiration

Stepan Chemical Company continued its lockout of more than 200 Teamster workers at its Joliet-area facility even after the union attempted to break the stalemate with seven hours of negotiations concluding July 20, 2010. The company implemented a lockout when the previous three-year agreement expired on July 15.

“Unfortunately, Stepan insists on continuing this conflict despite our best efforts to reach an agreement,” said Rich Gierut, Teamsters Local 179 President.

Local 179 represents workers who create and process Stepan chemicals, which are used in many common detergents, cleansers, paints and other products.

While some movement was made on minor contractual issues, Stepan refuses to budge on its demands that employees shoulder more of the costs of health care premiums in excess of 20 percent of the health care costs.

Local 179 has filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges against the company for not bargaining in good faith.

“Sadly, they’ve chosen to ignore more than 30 years of a good labor-management relationship,” Gierut said.

There are no further negotiations scheduled.

Teamsters Local 179, an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, represents more than 2,500 members in various industries throughout Will and Grundy counties.

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