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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