There are few industries more cut-throat than that of the foodservice industry. And within that industry, few could argue that there is not a more physically demanding job in the industry than that of a Sysco delivery driver. And, in my opinion, there are no tougher, more educated, more pro-union Sysco drivers across the country than those represented by Local 710 at Sysco-Chicago. What makes this job unique? The long hours with little rest (65-70 hours every week); the fingerprinting of each and every case of a 700-1000 piece load or more every day; the endurance of making the delivery with a two-wheeler (dolly) upstairs, downstairs, and through high-trafficked greasy kitchen floors; the honing of driving skills in some of the tightest, most congested alleys and streets in the city, all while being micromanaged by company supervisors who constantly pressure the driver to get the job done quicker. ­

The job is not for the faint of heart, nor for those not willing to work the gauntlet of demands brought on by this titan of an employer in one of the leading culinary cities in the world. But those who do, they do so with the humility of providing for their family and the expectations of one day reaching the end of their marathon.

Enter Bob Harwood. At age 72 (almost 73) and after a combined 54 years with Ralton and Sysco-Chicago, Bob, the most senior driver in seniority, has finally crossed his finish line. I reached out to my former co-worker to congratulate him on his retirement and he agreed to meet for breakfast along with Local 710 Secretary Treasurer and Principal Officer, Mike Cales.

Hired on May 6, 1965 at the tender age of 18, Bob recalls how he was offered the job by a Barney Keegan (CTDU) and started driving off of the then Kedzie Avenue location. The minimum wage back then was a whopping $1.25 an hour, but as a union driver, Bob earned $3.25 an hour. It was too good of job for him to pass up. “The funny thing is”, he recalls, “the amount of hours I worked everyday at the age of 18 are the same amount of hours I worked everyday at the age of 72.”

As a former Sysco driver myself, I had the privilege of working alongside this triathlon group from 2004-2011 and was honored to serve as one of four Union Stewards during my time. I looked up to Bob because he was one of the few die-hard downtown drivers who knew every nook and cranny of the city, all without the luxury of GPS. He was always willing to lend a hand whenever he was needed.

When I asked Bob what advice he would give to the newer Sysco drivers, he said, “Get out while you can. Don’t let the job destroy your body,” – words that gave me peace of mind.

In the 54 years as a driver, Bob said that the best thing was being part of Local 710. Bob retired from Sysco-Chicago on May 17, 2019 and will continue to care for his wife of 53 years.

To one of the toughest men I know,
To a true die hard,
To the Ironman Triathlete of Sysco-Chicago,
Congratulations, Bob Harwood, on your retirement. May you be blessed with many years of good health and happiness.

Mike Ramirez
Local 710 Business Agent

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Join Teamsters Local 710 to march in the Belleville Labor Day Parade! Wear your 710 Teamster gear and join us afterwards for a cookout!

The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m. – line up starts at 9:00 a.m. at the corner of 1st and Washington.

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Teamsters Local 710 is deeply saddened by the passing of Arthur LeBlanc. Brother LeBlanc was a Teamster for more than 39 years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brother LeBlanc’s family and friends, as well as all his brothers and sisters at Breakthru Beverage in Cicero, Ill.

Obituary

Arthur Eugene LeBlanc, 62, of Chicago, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2019. He was born the son of Robert and Chloe LeBlanc on May 10, 1957, in Chicago, IL. Arthur is survived by his brother Raymond LeBlanc and sister Victoria. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; and brothers Robert and Richard.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Arthur’s memory.

Visitation

Friday, August 16, 2019 | 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Kolbus-May Funeral Home – 6857 W. Higgins Ave. Chicago, IL 60656

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The bargaining committee for Teamsters Local 710 wrapped up negotiations yesterday with DPI Dedicated Logistics, whose members handle the delivery of products to Starbucks.

After several months of slow movement from the employer, the parties met briefly yesterday after DPI presented their final offer.

Teamsters Local 710 Representatives will be on site at all four DPI facilities throughout the next week to review all changes made to the contract and take a ratification vote, which will include a vote to strike.

“Obviously we are extremely disappointed by these turn of events,” said Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer Mike Cales. “The disrespect the employer has shown regarding the hard work and sacrifices of our members is appalling. Our members at DPI have the full support of the Local, and we will stand with them 100%.”

Local 710 represents nearly 250 drivers, warehouse workers and helpers who work out of four locations that service more than 900 Starbucks coffee shops in the Chicagoland, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, and St. Louis areas.

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HODGKINS, IL | Teamsters Local 710 successfully secured wage increases to bring all Feeder Drivers at UPS CACH in progression up to a minimum of $30.00 per hour, which affects 81 members at the Hodgkins hub.

As of August 5, the company began hiring new drivers at CACH at a $30.00 hourly wage rate, which far surpassed the contractual new hire progression rate of $21.00 per hour.

Dillon and Business Agent Tony Lamy were able to secure the $30.00 hourly wage rate for the CACH Feeder Drivers making anything less than $30.00 per hour, which will be retroactive back to August 5. This means an hourly increase of up to $9.00 per hour for those drivers. The mileage rate remains the same.

“This is a huge win for our members at CACH,” said Local 710 Secretary-Treasurer Mike Cales. “Ron and Tony did a great job attacking this issue immediately to ensure that our current members are protected and treated fairly. We’re excited to see the continued growth at CACH now that we’ve leveled the playing field there.”

UPS has hired close to 60 drivers at CACH since the beginning of August, and is looking to hire approximately 300 more drivers through next year.

Local 710 represents more than 450 drivers at the Hodgkins facility, which is one of the largest package sorting facilities in the world.

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In this day and age, sadly, it’s often difficult for certain industries and businesses to grow and thrive. Economic hardships befall so many, and it’s often with little or no notice.

Unfortunately, our members at Railway and Industrial Services & Specialties have experienced just that.

Earlier this month, without warning, RISX informed their employees that they would be closing, effective immediately. These hardworking men came in to do their jobs as usual, not knowing this would happen. While we had heard the employer was experiencing some economic difficulties, we did not expect them to be closing their doors without informing the Union, and to do it so suddenly.

Business Agent Mike Ramirez has been constantly communicating directly with all the members to keep everyone up to speed on what is going on, and the Local is doing everything we can to help these men find new employment opportunities and access resources to help keep their lives and families afloat. We held a workshop of resources this past Monday at the Union hall, which included the Department of Commerce, Unemployment Benefits, and the Department of Labor, that nearly all of the members were able to attend. We are also working closely with legal and prepared to take any action against RISX necessary to ensure these members receive all compensation and benefits they are entitled to.

We ask that everyone keep our brothers and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

In solidarity,

Michael J. Cales
Secretary-Treasurer

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AUG. 23, 2019

(HODGKINS, Ill.) – Yesterday, drivers and warehouse workers represented by Teamsters Local 710 at DPI Specialty Foods voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s proposed contract. Nearly 300 drivers and warehouse workers, who deliver exclusively to over 900 Starbucks stores in the greater Chicago area, as well as in Minneapolis, St. Louis and Indianapolis, have been negotiating a new contract with DPI for months.

“It’s pretty clear to us that since DPI’s only customer in the area is Starbucks, in the near future Starbucks is planning to move the work away from DPI and to a different company,” said Mike Cales, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 710. “We think that’s why DPI is asking workers to agree to a short-term contract of only 7 months, instead of the usual 5-year contract. This extremely short contract is one of the reasons why our members voted it down.”

“I need this job and the health insurance to take care of my family. Working Chicago families need stable jobs, which we won’t have with such a short-term contract,” said Kenyatta Newson, a six-year driver at DPI. “Starbucks trusts longtime, loyal DPI employees like me to deliver supplies at all hours— from unlocking their stores and making deliveries with no staff inside, to working closely with store employees throughout the day. I don’t know why they would drop us as their supplier.”

“Communities throughout the Midwest are struggling, and we need to keep all these good, family-supporting jobs,” Cales said. “Starbucks is a highly profitable, global corporation that claims to have a special relationship with the communities it operates within, especially Chicago. Chicago is hosting the 2019 Starbucks Leadership Conference, bringing 13,000 store managers and leaders to our city the first week in September. Local 710 Teamsters who have loyally served Starbucks will be calling on the company to do the right thing and work with the Teamsters, neighborhood, community and elected leaders to develop a plan that will protect these important workers in Starbucks’ supply chain.”

Join Teamsters Local 710 to march in the Princeton Labor Day Parade! Wear your 710 Teamster gear and join us afterwards for a cookout!

The parade kicks off at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the Fairgrounds in Princeton, IN to be shuttled to the parade lineup by 8:00 a.m.!

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Buy Tickets Online HERE!

Buy Tickets Online HERE!

PICTURED ABOVE: Bill Corse (front center) pictured with some of his fellow Package Car Drivers at UPS Quincy

QUINCY, IL | While many workers can’t wait to get to the ultimate goal of retirement, others are happy to keep working as long as they can.

One of those workers is Bill Corse, who works as a UPS Package Car Driver out of the Quincy, Ill. facility. Brother Corse has been a 710 UPS member for more than 43 years, is a 31-year Circle of Honor Driver, and is 80 years young.

Bill grew up in the small town of Bowen, Ill., where he started working for his family’s business when he was 10 years old. His parents raised him to have a great work ethic which he still embodies to this day. Prior to joining UPS, Bill was drafted into the army where he served for two years. While he was deployed, the family business went into debt, and when he returned, Bill was determined to work hard to pay off all debts Through working numerous jobs, Bill was able to ensure that every single debt owed from his family’s business was repaid.

Bill still lives in hometown of Bowen with his wife, Joyce, and they have two daughters, LeAnn & Mitzi. Throughout his entire tenure at UPS, Bill has delivered the same rural route in his hometown, developing strong relationships with all of his customers.

“Age doesn’t stop Bill from loving his job & working hard,” said Schaefer. “Last time we spoke, he had been out late the night before with 107 stops covering 297 miles. That’s a heck of a run for any driver.”

For someone who had a goat eat his delivery records while at a stop, Bill has truly seen a little bit of everything while working at UPS, and he doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon.

Teamsters Local 710 represents more than 13,000 members across the Midwest and is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.

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WHEELING, IL | Approximately 60 clerical workers at four YRC and Holland terminals represented by Teamsters Local 710 overwhelmingly voted to reject their Employer’s last offer late last night.

In a nearly unanimous rejection, Teamsters stood together and clearly voiced to their employer that the offer was not acceptable, 60 to 1.

The company’s offer from the last bargaining session fell short in addressing the top issues Local 710 brought to the table. It also failed to provide an acceptable agreement that would protect the clerical bargaining unit work in the event a third party is utilized.

“We can see exactly how a third party could take away some of our work, and we even gave the employer a real life example of that,” said committee member and Holland Steward Debbie Minnick. “We need protections now to make sure something like that doesn’t try to chisel away at what has been and must continue to be our work.”

Local 710 is already working with the employer to schedule dates to resume bargaining in order to reach an agreement that is fair to all members.

Teamsters Local 710 represents nearly 70 clerical workers at YRC facilities in Chicago Heights and Wheeling, IL, and Holland facilities in McCook and Wheeling, IL.

Bargaining Committee
John “Shaggy” Rule, Bargaining Chairman
Phil Reams, Business Agent
JoAnne Lizak, Holland Steward
Jean Matthis, YRC Steward
Debbie Minnick, Holland Steward
Deb Woods, YRC Steward

HODGKINS, IL | Nearly 300 Teamsters Local 710 members at DPI Dedicated Logistics, who service Starbucks stores across four major metropolitan areas, overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract this evening.

This victory comes after the agreement was previously voted down on August 22. Since that vote, Local 710 successfully secured strong protections for the members and a longer contract term, both top issues that led to the original rejection.

“With the first offer we voted, it was clear that Starbucks was looking to move away from DPI,” said Local 710 Secretary-Treasurer & Principal Officer Mike Cales. “With that being a possibility, we needed to ensure that our members and their families were protected, no matter what happened to DPI or which company owned the work – Starbucks needs to be loyal to these dedicated workers, regardless of who the operator is. We made it extremely clear to the employer that we would not accept any agreement that didn’t provide that security. There were a lot of moving parts to the process, but we were able to finally reach an agreement that gave us the protection we needed.”

The new agreement protects Local 710 members should a sale take place or if DPI loses the Starbucks business. It also includes significant wage increases retroactive back to June 1, 2019, and several improved benefits throughout the contract.

“I felt confident in supporting this second offer,” said Committee Member and Steward Mike Shadden. “We stood together to make sure our employer heard our voices loud and clear. Regardless of what happens, I know that I can continue to provide for my family because my union protects us.”

Teamsters Local 710 represents approximately 300 distribution workers who handle the delivery of products to more than 900 Starbucks stores across the Chicagoland, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis areas.

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Join us at the Union Hall for a blood drive and watch the Bears take on the Chargers following our General Membership Meeting!

Teamsters Local 710 has teamed up with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois (formerly Heartland Blood Center) to host a blood drive at the Union Hall immediately following our regular General Membership Meeting on Sunday, October 27, 2019! We’ll also be watching the Bears take on the Chargers at the hall with plenty of food and drinks!

Interested in donating?

Please fill out the form below to schedule a time to donate or call Karen Burcham at (773) 254-3200. A photo ID is REQUIRED at the time of donation.

The entire process takes about 40 minutes, which includes answering a questionnaire and participating in a screening prior to donating to ensure you are able to donate that day. Your actual donation takes about 10 minutes. If you have a question about your qualifications to donate, please call 1-800-7-TO-GIVE (1-800-786-4483).

One donation helps THREE LIVES! After you donate, you’ll be notified when your blood is on its way to a local area hospital!

Before your donation…

• EAT a good meal the night before, and a healthy breakfast on the day of donation.
• DO get a good night’s sleep the day before donation.
• DRINK plenty of non-caffeinated beverages such as water, juice, or sports drinks. Avoid caffeinated beverages such as coffee, energy drinks, and pop.
• AVOID wearing restrictive clothing such as tight sleeves; wear comfortable clothes.
  READ and get familiar with Applied Muscle Tension (AMT) Exercises

At your donation…

• Remember to bring a Photo ID with proof of age. If you are 16 years of age, a permission slip is required.
• Take advantage of the Hydration and Snack station prior to your donation.
• Relax! Let the skilled staff take you through the donation process.

During your donation…

• Use applied Muscle Tension (AMT) from the time you get onto the donation chair until the time you are released to refreshments.
• Don’t sit up on your own. Wait until our staff ensures you are feeling well and you are released to refreshments.

After your donation…

• Please stay in the refreshment area for as long as you feel necessary, but at least 15 minutes for your own safety.
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated beverages over the next 24-48 hours and eat a healthy meal (salty foods are better in helping restore blood volume).
• Avoid strenuous activity such as heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling for 24 hours.

Dear Pension Fund Active Participant:

On October 6, 2019, Local No. 710 Pension Fund will host an informative meeting regarding positive changes being made to your Pension Plan. These changes will become effective for those individuals who will retire on or after January 1, 2020.

The meeting will be presented by Local No. 710 Pension Fund Board of Trustees and the Fund Office. Also present will be other Fund professionals including the Fund’s Actuaries and Counsel.

Due to limited space, the presentation is reserved for the member and their spouse.

Local No. 710 Pension Fund Meeting

Date: October 6, 2019
Time: 11:00 a.m. CST
Where: Tinley Park Convention Center
18451 Convention Center Drive • Exhibit Hall North • Tinley Park, IL 60577
We hope to see you there!

Fraternally Yours,
Michael J. Cales, Co-Chairman
Samuel D. Pilger, Co-Chairman

TINLEY PARK, IL | Today, the I.B.T. Local Union No. 710 Pension Fund announced a number of improvements to its participants during a pension summit. 

The pension fund, which currently covers approximately 7,500 active participants, is currently ranked in the top 17th percentile of 434 multiemployer pension funds across the country. As of this past February, the fund was 96.5% funded, with more than $2.75 billion in the fund. 

During the meeting, Teamsters Local 710 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer Michael Cales shared a series of positive enhancements that he, as the Union Co-Chairman of the pension fund, and the trustees made to improve benefits while maintaining the current and projected health of the fund. 

“Given the current state of pension funds around us, it was our duty to increase members’ pensions in a responsible way,” Cales said. “No one wants to be told they will receive a certain amount in their pension today and have it taken away tomorrow.” 

Cales announced significant increases in participant benefits that will take effect on January 1, 2020. Among them, participants that meet the criteria will receive an additional $400 each month. Participants with 25 years of service that have reached age 50, will see their monthly benefit increase from $2,800 to $3,200, and those with 35 years of service that have reach age 50 will see their benefits increase from $3,800 to $4,200. 

“The trustees hired the best professionals in the business in order to help us make the right decisions,” Cales said. “It is our hope that these steps will keep the fund financially solid and provide a secure retirement for all our members.”

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ROMEOVILLE, IL | Teamsters Local 710 would like to recognize our long-time members at ReaderLink who celebrated some big milestones for their years of service! Congratulations! Your dedication to your craft is an inspiration to all generations of union members!

Reginald “Reggie” Watts • 35 Years of Service

Larry Lemons • 30 Years of Service

Frankie Buels • 30 Years of Service

Betty Jefferson (left) & Rhonda Prete (right) • 30 Years of Service

Ivy Wallace • 20 Years of Service

Local 710 stands in solidarity with the workers at Airgas who are working to organize with Teamsters Local 507 in Cleveland as they fight for respect and a voice in their workplace – Something ALL workers deserve!

We – including all our Local 710 members at Airgas – are behind you 100%!

MOKENA, IL | Teamsters Local 710 was victorious at the ABF Grievance Committee this month to reinstate a provision allowing dock members to split four weeks of vacation after the company reduced split week vacations to only three weeks. 

Business Agent Phil Reams filed an Agent’s Protest against the company for violating the 2013-2018 ABF Central Region Local Cartage Supplement Agreement, which allows dock workers to split four weeks of vacation.

The company’s position was that this agreement (a Memorandum of Understanding) was removed with the ratification of the new 2018-2023 National Master Freight Agreement. However, as stated in the Protest, the language change that the members voted on for the new NMFA stated that this MOU had “no change.”

Teamsters Local 710 represents approximately 290 dock members at ABF.

MCCOOK, IL | In a vote this afternoon, Local 710 McDonald’s distribution Teamsters at Martin-Brower overwhelmingly authorized a strike if necessary by a vote of 43 to 3.

The union has been disappointed in the slow movement during negotiations, which have been ongoing for the past couple months.

“The employer hasn’t been very responsive to our issues throughout negotiations, and things are dragging on too long,” said Bargaining Chairman and 710 Recording Secretary John “Shaggy” Rule. “Our drivers deserve respect both at the table and in the workplace.”

A strike authorization vote gives the Local Union the approval from members to take a job action at any time should the Bargaining Committee feel it’s necessary.

“We are here to reach a fair contract for our members, but the lack of progress from the company has been extremely frustrating,” said Secretary-Treasurer Mike Cales. “This vote today should show Martin-Brower that our members are extremely serious and prepared to do whatever it takes to get the benefits and workplace improvements they deserve.”

Negotiations are set to resume on November 18. Members are to continue to work as directed until otherwise notified by Local 710 – At this moment, no job action has been scheduled yet. The Union will keep members informed of any developments, and any questions should be directed to Brother Rule or the Union Stewards.

The 58 drivers at the McCook, Ill. facility handle the distribution of food and supplies to approximately 590 McDonald’s restaurants across the Chicagoland area.

Teamsters Local 710 represents more than 15,000 members across the Midwest and is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.

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EPISODE NOTES

Listen to the latest episode of the Teamster Nation Podcast and learn how the union is engaging with its membership and 2020 presidential contenders to make sure the issues that matter to workers like pensions, collective bargaining and fair trade are being addressed by those seeking the highest office in the land.

SHOW NOTES

Features audio and interviews with Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa; investor and activist Tom Steyer; Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii; Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont; Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey; Montana Gov. Steve Bullock; South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg; tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang; Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota; Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts; former Rep. Beto O’Rourke of Texas; Local 710 member Brenda Davis; Local 822 political coordinator Nick Jones