Teamsters Stand Up for Immigration Reform

Local 743 Applauds Union Resolution, DREAM Act in Fight for Workers

On the heels of an immigration reform resolution unanimously adopted by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and Gov. Pat Quinn’s recent signing of the Illinois DREAM Act, Teamsters Local 743 is raising its voice for the rights and protections of immigrant and minority workers.

“More than 25,000 Hispanic and minority families moved into the Chicago area in just the last 10 years,” said Donnie Von Moore, Local 743 President. “Numbers like that have a profound impact on our communities and local workforce, especially at a time when it seems workers in every sector are under attack.

“Everyone, regardless of their current immigrant or residential status, deserves real representation at work, and the Teamsters have to step up and be the union to deliver it,” Von Moore added.

More than 1,600 delegates to the Teamsters’ 28th National Convention called for more labor, health and safety rights for immigrant workers in an official resolution adopted July 1, 2011. Championed by Local 743 representatives, the resolution pledged Teamster support to immigration reform that punishes companies that exploit undocumented workers and offers a clear path to legalization.

Exactly one month after the Teamsters adopted the resolution, Illinois became the first state to make private college scholarships available to all immigrants, regardless of citizenship. Gov. Quinn signed the Development, Relief and Education for Minors Act (DREAM) on August 1, 2011, creating an opportunity of long-term U.S. residence and employment to thousands of immigrant children.

“The Teamsters’ immigration reform resolution included our support of the DREAM Act,” said Von Moore. “The act is a means for Illinois to substantially change its immigration laws and create a pathway to permanent legal residence for immigrant students and graduates who have the moral character to work hard for their future.”

Local 743 currently represents more than 11,000 men and women across the Chicago metropolitan area, including thousands of Hispanic and minority workers in warehouse, mail-order, clerical and professional industries. Spanish-speaking business agents and staff members employed by the local regularly assist members with contract negotiations, grievances and other issues related to their health and welfare, pensions and benefits. The local also provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) courses to members, held throughout the year at its union hall. The union’s website, www.TeamstersLocal743.com, also has its entire online content available in Spanish, Portuguese and many other languages.

“Rhetoric cannot be as far as we go with making representation possible for immigrant workers, for all workers,” said Von Moore. “For our members and for the millions more who can benefit from the protections of a Teamster contract, let’s take the action now.”

CLICK HERE to read the Teamsters’ full Immigration Reform Resolution.

Teamsters Local 743 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

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