Local 710 Ferguson Warehouse Negotiations Continue
Teamsters, Employer Talk At Length Regarding Improved Health Benefits
The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining Committee for the new Ferguson warehouse agreement continued negotiations last night. The session went well into the evening with several rounds of bargaining back and forth.
Much of the time was spent seriously discussing the employer picking up the cost of the employee contributions to their health insurance compared to bringing the bargaining unit into the CTDU health plan. Currently, the Ferguson drivers are covered under the union plan, which is also fully funded by the Employer.
Given the lateness of the session, the Union felt it best to postpone reaching a tentative agreement until the Employer had some time to review the documents for the CTDU plan. If the Employer agrees to go with the union plan, both parties agreed to bring a tentative agreement to a vote as soon as possible. If more discussion is required, bargaining will resume later in August.
Committee members Tomas Quinones and Tommy Reith stood firm at the bargaining table regarding wage increases and health benefits that the membership feels are most important. They also explained issues that the members have had with the health insurance currently offered.
Nearly all members take the health insurance, but are stuck with large contributions coming out of their paychecks every week or plans that have very high deductibles. We’re working extremely hard to get the warehouse crew to be able to enjoy the same benefits as the drivers with coverage under the CTDU’s health plan.
Bernie Sherlock
Local 710 Business Agent
Questions may be directed to the bargaining committee members Tomas Quinones and Tommy Reith or Bernie Sherlock at (773) 254-3200.
Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.