The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining Committee met in Park Ridge for a marathon session today to discuss how the membership reacted to Jewel’s proposal from last week and to respond with new and modified proposals. The union was prepared at 11:00, but the employer was not ready to begin until 11:30.

Each member of the Local 710 committee members opened today’s session by first relaying to the company that their initial proposal overwhelmingly angered and insulted the membership.

The union went on to present new and modified proposals and packages as the committee determined prior to the opening of the session. The employer then spent nearly four hours to go over these proposals and returned with minor adjustments to wage rates and healthcare costs. The employer also did not accept any package as the union presented and did not fully comply with the information request to provide detailed information regarding the 71 percent of employees who do not participate in the Healthy Pursuits program.

Employer Driver Proposal »   Employer Warehouse Proposal »

In response, the union rejected most of the employer’s proposals and resubmitted original union proposals where packages were rejected. The union also requested clarity on the employer’s wage and health and welfare proposals before expecting either side to show movement. The day’s bargaining session ended at 5:40 p.m., and the committee continued to discuss issues and come up with a plan moving forward.

Negotiations are scheduled to continue Thursday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m., as well as throughout February and into March, if necessary. Questions or concerns may be directed to any member of the bargaining committee.

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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