Labriola Bakery Drivers Choose Teamsters

Local 734 Wins Campaign at Popular Artisan Baking Company

Workers at Labriola Baking Company proved truck drivers are still the bread and butter of the Teamsters Union by voting to join Teamsters Local 734 on September 8, 2011.

Representing more than 2,000 men and women in the bakery industry, Local 734 welcomed nearly 40 new delivery drivers with Labriola. The artisan baking company, founded in 1993, provides homemade Italian, French and German breads to restaurants, retail stores and hotels across the Chicago metropolitan area.

“The drivers at Labriola should be incredibly proud of themselves,” said John T. Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “As a growing Chicago company, Labriola has seen record profits in its industry. It’s gratifying to see workers claim their stake in its success and its future.”

In addition to the newly organized drivers, approximately 200 workers help Labriola meet the demand of more than 1,000 clients from its 43,000-square-foot headquarters in Alsip. The company, which has earned more than $15 million in annual revenue since 2006, recently expanded beyond wholesale food service with a flagship restaurant and café in suburban Oak Brook.

“The delivery drivers at Labriola fought hard for representation, but by standing together, they’ve stayed the course toward a powerful Teamster contract,” said Brian Meidel, Local 734 President. “Local 734 has represented bakeries and bakery drivers for more than a century, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome Labriola to our proud tradition.”

Just days before the successful election, Teamster representatives from around Illinois rallied behind the drivers in Alsip. Teamsters Local 458M, Local 700, Local 703, Local 727, Local 731, Local 786 and other affiliates showed their solidarity for hours on the city’s south side, shaking hands and speaking with workers.

Local 734 expects to begin negotiations later this year for the drivers’ very first contract.

“Keep an eye out for those familiar red and black Labriola trucks driving around Chicago,” said Meidel. “The next time you see one, you’ll be passing a Teamster.”

Teamsters Local 734 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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