MCCOOK, IL | Teamsters Local 710 McDonald’s distribution drivers at Martin Brower overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year agreement with their employer this afternoon.

Local 710 secured unprecedented wage increases totaling $4.55 over the life of the contract, which was a top issue for the members.

“Our committee was able to successfully negotiate several improvements throughout the entire contract that were all important issues for the members,” said Bargaining Chairman John “Shaggy” Rule. “The members stood together for the entire negotiations, and the company couldn’t ignore their strength and solidarity, especially after the members almost unanimously authorized a strike.”

Additional improvements include (but are not limited to):

• Two more personal days
• Most insurance costs for employees are frozen for all four years
• An increase of $225 (total of $500) for boots, gloves, and rain gear
• $30 daily bonus for training
• Employer will pay for members’ CDLs
• Five weeks vacation after 17 years (improved from 20 years)

“Overall, negotiations were very fair, and I’m 100% happy with the representation we received at the bargaining table,” said steward and committee member Daniel Soto. “Our committee worked hard to bring the voices of the members to the table, and our Union really backed us up throughout the entire process.”

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.