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Approximately 30 Teamsters Local 710 delivery drivers at Hall’s Rental Service ratified a new four-year agreement at the end of March. The new contract went into effect a few days later on April 1.

Local 710 successfully secured the largest raises these members have received to date. Full-time employees will see an increase of nearly $3 per hour and part-time and supplemental employees will see an increase of $2 per hour of the life of the agreement. Existing members who have not reached the maximum wage rate will be able to catch up through biannual raises of $1.50 per hour until they have reached the maximum rate.

Also important to the membership, the bargaining committee maintained health insurance at no contribution. Additionally, members will now be able to use personal days as sick days, and the on-call “beeper pay” benefit increased to $75 per day and $150 for holidays.

Local 710 represents both full time and casual delivery drivers at Hall’s who work out of the Lisle, Ill. facility. The company rents out various party and event supplies to the greater Chicagoland area.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.

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The approximately 270-strong Teamsters Local 710 bargaining unit at DPI is growing 30 members larger as the company expands its business operations.

The existing Local 710 contract will cover a new classification of drivers that will deliver fresh salads and sandwiches to over 300 Starbucks locations in the greater Chicagoland area. DPI has already hired approximately 20 drivers and is looking to hire 10 more at its Hodgkins, Ill. facility.

The Local 710 team is working diligently to sign up all new members with the Teamsters as they are hired on. If you or someone you know is interested in applying to work as a delivery driver with DPI, please contact Gary Abraham.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.

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City-wide actions to stop criminalization, defend our rights, and create truly safe and healthy communities! #chicagofightsback #chicagonosedeja

To learn more, visit ChiMayDay.com

Statement for Chicago May 1st, 2017 March
Resist Racism, Rebuild Community

May 1st, International Workers’ Day, will be a national day of action with large marches expected around the country. In Chicago, a coalition of organizations are planning to march to resist the rising racism and call on city residents to rebuild community. The march will be focused on protecting communities that are under attack by the Trump regime and highlight the need to rebuild community and define what community safety means to us:

1. Legalization of all undocumented workers.
2. Stop terrorizing immigrant communities through raids at homes and workplaces.
3. Stop criminalization, mass incarceration and deportation of Black, Latinx, migrant, Arab, Muslim, and communities of color;
4. Defend workers’ right to organize, unionize and to earn a living wage;
5. Defend the rights of women, people with disabilities, transgender, LGBTQ and gender non-conforming people;
6. Act on climate change, to create jobs and economic opportunities in the migrant, poor, and communities of color that are disproportionately threatened by pollution and climate change;
7. Defend and fully fund public services, including public education, transportation and health care.

Our communities are uniting against Trump’s vision that views us as a threat, and that proposes that safety and security can only be gained with increased criminalization and policing of our communities, and rolling back the rights that our communities have won over the years.We are pushing our community and city leaders to do more to protect Chicagoans from Trump’s attacks and promote real safety and economic opportunity in the city. If the people who run this city and the people who are running the federal government think they can move all our tax dollars away from jobs, schools, and health and into police contracts to patrol us, they are making a big mistake.Labor unions will also join the march for the right to unionize and to challenge the attacks on workers’ rights being carried out. People need jobs that actually pay the bills. Trump wants to give corporations kick-backs, we want to give working people a chance. On May Day we’ll march for better jobs, better salaries, and the right to organize for them.

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Re: Unofficial UPS Meeting on April 23, 2017

Dear Brother and Sister Members,

It has come to my attention that false information was circulated through a flyer regarding a meeting for UPS members this Sunday, April 23, 2017, using the official International Brotherhood of Teamsters insignia of the horseheads, Thunder and Lightning. This flyer made it appear that the meeting was set up by and run by Teamsters Local 710 or the International in Washington, DC.

UPS members are advised that this meeting IS NOT an official Union meeting set up by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union in Washington, DC, nor Teamsters Local 710.

Use of the Teamsters trademarked insignia without authorization through the Trademark License Agreement with the IBT is a violation. Additionally, making it appear that Teamsters Local 710 sent this flyer out in an official capacity is a further violation.

Should anyone have any questions, please reach out to your Business Agent or call the Union Hall.

Fraternally,

Thomas N. Conelias
Intl Field Representative/Local 710

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April 21, 2017

John T. Coli, Trustee of Teamsters Local 710 and Trustee/Chairman to the Local 710 Pension Fund, ordered a full investigation of the YRC Clerical Pension Contributions for the period of 2009-2013. Based on discussions with the Fund Office and a review of the Local’s negotiating file, it appears that in 2009, the former 710 Trustees suspended YRC’s participation in the Fund on the grounds that it was building a large delinquency to that Fund due to its financial difficulties.

The former Trustees of the Funds also determined not to sue the Company for the delinquency or assess a withdrawal liability against it after the suspension. It appears that similar to other Teamster Funds, the former 710 Trustees decided that either step would likely drive the Company into bankruptcy, which in their minds was a worse alternative.

In 2011, YRC resumed contributions for all of its Teamster Employees to the 710 Funds and other Teamster Funds, but at a greatly reduced level. However, the former 710 Trustees did not accept and post contributions on behalf of the YRC Clerical members until after those members ratified a Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2013. Along with that, the suspension of contributions and reduced contribution level for the period of 2009-2011 was also accepted.

It appears that contributions made in connection to YRC Clerical work from 2011-2013 were instead used to pay down YRC’s outstanding delinquency prior to 2009. It is unclear why the former Trustees allowed this. When the current Trustees reviewed this issue in 2015, YRC showed absolutely no interest to have those contributions redirected to the benefit of the members, further increasing its delinquency balance.

Br. Coli has requested that this issue be added to the agenda for the upcoming meeting on May 23, 2017. At that meeting, the Union Trustees will advocate for the award of benefit credits to the YRC Clerical members equal to the redirected contributions from the period of 2011-2013. They believe that not only is it something the Plan can afford, but that it is the right thing to do for the participants. It is their hope that the Management Trustees will join them in this effort.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any further questions.

Fraternally,

Thomas N. Conelias
Int’l Field Representative/Local 710

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Join your Teamster Sisters and Brothers at this year’s conference! The program will be held September 17-19 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, 600 East Market Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

We have reserved a block of rooms at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. After completing this online registration, you will receive a link to the hotel’s reservation website created specifically for conference attendees.

As always, this is an opportunity for Teamster women and men to take advantage of great speakers, educational workshops and time to network with other dedicated Teamsters – all of whom make a difference!

Register Online!

Women’s Conference program schedule:

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Monday, September 18, 2017

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

REGISTRATION: For questions regarding registration, please contact Vicky Matullo @ 202-624-8724 or vmatullo@teamster.org

CONFERENCE INFO: For questions regarding the conference, please contact Megan Hahn @ 202-624-8799 or mhahn@teamster.org

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE: For assistance with travel arrangements, please call the Teamster Travel Department at 202-624-6999/1-800-IBT-FLY1.

The deadline for online registration is September 12, 2017.

Register Online!

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via TEAMSTER.ORG | Teamsters will rally this week at the UPS shareholder meeting in Wilmington, Delaware, and call for lobbying disclosures and accountability at UPS.

A Teamster-sponsored proposal will be presented to shareholders demanding transparent reporting of the company’s lobbying activity, which includes contributions to groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – organizations that undermine the legislative interests of UPS and UPS Teamsters.

If you are a UPS Teamster who owns shares in the company, you can vote for Proposal #5 on the proxy ballot in a number of ways. Class A shareholders with shares in the UPS Stock Fund in the UPS 401(k) Savings Plan can vote over the internet, by telephone, by mail or in person at the annual meeting as if you were a registered shareowner.

To vote online in advance of the meeting, go to http://www.proxyvote.com. You can also cast your vote using a smartphone or other mobile device by scanning the QR code from your proxy materials using the camera on your device. If you received a proxy card by mail and want to vote by phone, call the toll-free number on your card to vote your shares.

Internet, mobile device and telephone voting is available 24 hours a day and is accessible until 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 3. Voting in advance by mail is also available if you received your proxy card by mail. Simply mark your proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the postage-paid envelope.

In the event that you cannot locate your proxy control number, go to the Proxy website on http://www.UPSers.com and there you will find the Proxy Control Number Request Form. If you do not see the Vote Your Proxy link on the main page of UPSers.com, then you can search for it in the top right search window (enter the text “Vote Your Proxy”).

For those who hold class B shares through a bank or broker, you should refer to your voting instruction form, the notice or other information sent to you by your bank or broker to see which voting options are available to you.

All votes must be cast prior to or at the annual meeting.

“Teamsters who own UPS shares have a voice in the company and need to make their voices heard by voting. We urge everyone to help shine a spotlight on UPS’s lobbying efforts by voting for Proposal 5,” said Teamsters Package Division Director Sean O’Brien.

For more information, contact IBT Capital Strategies Department at (202) 624-8100 or capitalstrategies@teamster.org.

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UPS is looking to hire approximately 10-15 Feeder Drivers at the Rockford facility in July, with the potential for more.

We encourage interested members to apply to keep those positions filled with union members and to avoid the possibility of contractors running out of Rockford.

To apply, you will need to write a letter of intent to transfer to another UPS facility within Local 710’s jurisdiction. Your letter must express your desire to move to any feeder position opening within Local 710’s jurisdiction, along with your:

1. Name
2. Center
3. Employee ID
4. Last 4 Digits of your Social Security Number

If you have any questions, please contact your Local 710 Business Agent by calling (773) 254-3200 or email:

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As was done last fall, your Teamsters Local 710 UPS Business Agents will be hosting another information session. We’ll go over any questions or issues you have regarding your contract, and we’ll also go over and discuss the current state of our Local.

Questions? Contact Del Schaefer.

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The Teamsters Local 710 UPS Business Agent team recently made a group site visit to the Decatur, Ill. barn after management wrongfully attempted to bar that location’s agent from the facility.

As Local 710 Business Agent Neil McKinney was making his regular site visit, the hub manager told McKinney he was not allowed in the facility. When McKinney tried to continue his visit, the manager threatened escort the Teamster representative from the premises if he didn’t leave immediately.

At the next visit, McKinney was backed by Local 710 UPS Business Agents Ron Dillon, Simon McNamara and Del Schaefer. This show of solidarity was effective in showing management the strength of the union.

Local 710 represents 128 UPS Package Car Drivers out of the Decatur hub and more than 6,000 members at UPS across Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Indiana.

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Help Stamp Out Hunger on Saturday, May 13, 2017!

The 2016 drive collected more than 80 million pounds of food!

On the second Saturday of May, just set out your non-perishable food well before your letter carrier’s normal pick-up time. The earlier the better! Note that he or she will be delivering and collecting mail as usual, on top of collecting food donations, so that pickup time could be slightly later than usual. Your letter carrier might also have helpers. A good rule of thumb is to have the bags by your mailbox by 9 a.m.

Please do not donate frozen food, homemade food or home-canned items. Please do not donate items that have expired or are in glass containers. In keeping with good food-handling and food-safety procedures, food that is opened, damaged, out of code or does not have the official ingredients included will be discarded by the food bank in the sorting process.

For more details on donations, check out the FAQ page on the Stamp Out Hunger website!

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SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WILMINGTON, Del.) – UPS employees and Teamster Union leaders gathered this morning outside the package giant’s annual shareholder meeting to demand lobbying disclosures and accountability at the company. A proposal co-sponsored by the Teamsters was presented in the meeting calling for transparent reporting of the company’s lobbying activity, which includes contributions to groups like the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s time for UPS to stop wasting resources on legislative efforts that not only undercut the long-term interests of the company, but also the interests of its shareholders, many of whom are UPS employees and retirees,” said Sean O’Brien, Director of the Teamsters Package Division.

UPS does not disclose its lobbying expenditures nor offer any explanation to shareholders as to why it contributes to group like ALEC, whose agenda remains hostile to the legislative priorities of UPS and UPS Teamster members on the issues of climate change, workplace safety and workers’ rights.

“As a UPS employee, shareholder and Teamster member, I believe it’s our right to know the resources being spent on lobbying, especially if that money is going to organizations pushing for policies that hurt the company and its workforce,” said Doug Hite, a UPS driver and member of Teamsters Local 326 in New Castle, Del.

The Teamster-backed shareholder proposal calls on UPS to disclose its membership and payments to organizations that write and endorse model legislation. Over the years, dozens of companies have withdrawn from ALEC as activists have highlighted the group’s use of model bills to advance its controversial agenda in state legislatures.

UPS aircraft mechanics – members of Teamsters Local 2727 – who are fighting for a fair contract also took part in this morning’s protest outside the shareholder meeting. The mechanics came from all parts of the country to present an open letter to UPS CEO David Abney and voice their concerns to shareholders about the company’s efforts to take away their health benefits.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit http://www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union opposes the American Health Care Act (AHCA) which was passed by the House of Representatives today. The legislation’s wholesale changes to the current system leaves working families footing the bill for corporate tax breaks while paving a path to the elimination of even basic health care for the millions of American families that need it the most.

The AHCA attacks working families who receive high-quality health care plans from their employers through a 40 percent excise tax. This “Cadillac Tax” penalizes middle class workers who have fought long and hard for the strong health care plans they receive.

“The American Health Care Act is a flawed piece of legislation that should never be made into law,” said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. “It not only includes this destructive Cadillac Tax that targets working families, but it also allows insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions and charge older Americans up to five times higher premiums than younger plan holders.

“Instead of finding new ways to enrich health care providers, Congress should be working to ensure that this country provides affordable health care coverage for every American regardless of their pre-existing conditions. The AHCA will lead to only one result – higher costs for lower quality care for fewer Americans.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

SOURCE: TEAMSTER.ORG | (GREENWICH, Conn.) – XPO Logistics, Inc. board members faced a growing tide of discontent at their annual shareholder meeting today led by the company’s own workers, the Teamsters and European union leaders who called out the global logistics giant for its excessive executive pay practices.

Much of the ire was directed at Bradley Jacobs, XPO’s chief executive officer, who was in attendance at the meeting held at the company’s headquarters here. Jacobs was on the receiving end of a recent $20 million “mega-grant,” a pay giveaway that caused leading independent proxy advisor Institutional Shareholders Services (ISS) to recently issue its opposition to XPO’s advisory vote on executive pay, the so-called “Say-on-Pay” vote, that was voted on today.

“It is time for XPO CEO Bradley Jacobs to explain to company workers why he is entitled to a huge payout while he cuts the health care and retirement benefits of workers who are making this company so successful,” said Monica Abraham, a quality control inspector for XPO in North Haven, Conn. who spoke at the shareholder meeting. “Workers shouldn’t be punished while Jacobs gets rich off our backs!”

ISS also previously recommended investors support a Teamsters-sponsored shareholder resolution calling for enhanced disclosure of XPO’s human capital management performance, among other sustainability practices. Voting results on both items were not immediately made available.

Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall said both proposals should be of interest to investors. “Shareholders have good reason to be concerned when it comes to excessive CEO pay and XPO’s corporate practices,” he said. “Its corporate practices are not in their best interests.”

Meanwhile, European workers for the company said the fight against corporate greed and for fairness on the job is not only necessary for American workers. XPO is increasing engaging in anti-union worker behavior in Europe as well.

“It is ridiculous that Bradley Jacobs refuses to answer to his own employees about his company’s corporate practices that imperil their livelihoods,” said Sam McIntosh, a lead organizer with the International Transport Workers Federation. “European XPO workers stand in solidarity with their American compatriots because they too know the effects of the company’s increasingly shady business practices.”

U.S. workers have asked to meet with Jacobs on several occasions, to no avail. XPO is one of the world’s largest global third-party logistics companies, providing transportation and logistical services to 63 percent of Fortune 100 companies.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Brother Philip J. Oliver, a dedicated, 11-year Teamsters Local 710 member and road driver at UPS Freight in South Holland, Ill.

Brother Oliver passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kenya; daughters Tiphanie, Terod and Kayla; son, Tristen; mother, Carolyn Oliver; sister, Angie Tucker; and brother, Keith Oliver. A celebration of Brother Oliver’s life was held Wednesday, April 12, at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.

Our hearts go out to Brother Oliver and to all who had the privilege of knowing him and having him in their lives. He will be greatly missed and forever cherished.

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To all Teamsters Local 710 Members and Employers:

Please be advised that there is a strike ongoing at Chicago’s Navy Pier. Teamsters Joint Council 25 has sanctioned a strike by Teamsters Local 727 involving their members at Allied Universal which began Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago Ill.

We ask that you honor this strike and do not cross the picket line.

We will advise again once the strike has been settled. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Local 710 Business Agent at (773) 254-3200.

In Solidarity,
Thom Conelias
Int’l Field Representative/Local 710

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It is with our deepest sympathies that we inform you of the passing of Jeff Hampton. Brother Hampton was a Teamsters Local 710 carhauler at Cassen’s for nearly 29 years. He was a truly dedicated member and beloved father, grandpa and husband. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brother Hampton, his family, friends and fellow members at Cassen’s.

Obituary

Age 54. Peacefully Sunday, May 14, 2017 at his late residence in Burleson, TX surrounded by his loving family following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born July 16, 1962 in Aurora, IL the son of Glenn and the late Cleta (nee Murchison) Hampton. Raised in Plano, IL a graduate of Plano High School Class of 1980 where he played baseball from 1976-1980. He also lived in Channahon, IL for many years before recently moving to Burleson, Texas. Jeff was a proud U.S. Army Veteran. A member of Teamsters Union Local 710, he was a truck driver for Cassens Transport Company maintaining a hard work ethic, even after that fateful day of being told of his diagnosis. An avid Chicago Cubs fan, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, going to the gun range, and will be remembered as a very loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Joy (nee Fetters) Hampton of Burleson, TX; two daughters, Vanessa (Scott) Hawke of Plantsville, CT and Specialist Jessica Hampton of Fort Hood, TX; granddaughter, Imogen Hawke; father, Glenn (Judy) Hampton of Mesa, AZ; and siblings, Gordon (Erika) Hampton of Yorkville, IL, Glynis (Russ) Parks of Kewannee, IL, and Dennis Hampton of Plano, IL.

Preceded in death by his mother, Cleta Hampton and nephew, Andrew Hampton.

Arrangements

Saturday, May 20th, 2017 | 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home
3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet
Funeral Services at 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Ken Holt Officiating. Following his funeral services Military Honors will be conducted under
the auspices of the United States Army. As it was Jeffrey’s wish, cremation rites will be accorded
following the conclusion of all honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to his surviving family to be allocated in accordance with his final wishes would be appreciated. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit www.fredcdames.com

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Our Union is deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of Alan Walczak. Brother Walczak was a dedicated Teamsters Local 710 member and road driver at YRC for more than two decades. He spent over 40 years in total as a driver, traveling over three million miles. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alan and his family and friends during this difficult time.

Obituary

Alan Edward Walczak, of DeMotte, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017 at his residence. Alan was born on February 13, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Edward and Irene (Smolinski) Walczak. Alan graduated from Thornton Township High School, Class of 1976. He was a truck driver for over 20 years with Y.R.C. He had driven over 3 million miles, over 40 years, as a driver. Alan is a member of St. Augusta Church in Lake Village, Indiana and a member of Teamsters Local 710.

Alan is survived by his son, Alan C. Walczak of DeMotte, IN; daughter, Page Gough and loving husband, Joseph of Valparaiso, IN; sister, Carol Mendiola of Schererville, IN; brother, David Walczak of DeMotte, IN; loving nieces and
nephews. Alan is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation

Friday, May 26th, 2017 | 2:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Jackson Funeral Service
200 3rd Street, DeMotte, IN 46310
Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, May 27th, 2017 | 10:00 a.m.
St. Augusta Catholic Church
3228 IN-10, Lake Village, IN 46349
Rev. Father Martin Sandhage, Officiant.

Interment at Cemetery of the Resurrection

Memorial contributions may be made to The Family. For more information, please call (291) 987-5300. To share a memory with the Walczak family, please visit http://www.jacksonfuneral.com.

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At the meeting of the Trustees to the Teamsters Local 710 Pension Fund Tuesday, the Union Trustees made a motion to provide benefit credit to YRC Clerical members equal to contributions that the former trustees redirected for the period of 2011-2013.

The Management Trustees voted against providing this benefit, thus deadlocking the issue.

Contributions made in connection to YRC Clerical work from 2011-2013 were used to pay down an outstanding delinquency YRC had built up in 2009. When the Union Trustees first reviewed this issue in 2015, YRC showed absolutely no interest in having those contributions redirected to the benefit of the members, which would have increased its 2009 delinquency balance again.

Instead of paying rightfully owed pension benefits to the participants, the Management Trustees wish to reinstate compensation for trustees to attend meetings. This was the practice prior to trusteeship, but Local 710 Trustee John T. Coli had put a stop to that immediately when he took his position as a Trustee and Chairman to the Local Funds. The Management Trustees also have refused to support employer contribution increases to the Pension Fund allowed for in ABF and YRC’s contracts.

The deadlocked matter will proceed to arbitration.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and Indiana.

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