Thanks to a powerful new benefit secured by Teamsters Local 710, clerical workers with the Chicago Firefighters Union will soon enjoy fully funded health care coverage throughout retirement.

The advantage for retirees is part of a new contract ratified on August 13 by the Teamster-represented clerical workers. The five-year agreement ensures health care benefits will be paid entirely by the Firefighters Union when workers retire at age 55 with a minimum of 15 years on the job.

All Local 710 members working for the union will meet the agreed upon 15 years of service by the time they reach 55 — guaranteeing retiree health care for current employees.

“The average age of Local 710 members working for the Chicago Firefighters Union is about 50 years old, so this benefit is a real win for employees now preparing for retirement,” said Chuck DeCola, Local 710 Business Agent. “Many of these clerical workers have been Teamster members for more than 20 years. They’ve put in decades of loyal service to the Firefighters Union and the new contract honors their commitment to hard work.”

In addition to complete health care coverage for future retirees, the contract includes wage increases of 3 percent each year for the length of the agreement.

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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