As has just been announced by Governor J.B. Pritzker, the entire state of Illinois will be enacting a “Stay at Home” order effective starting tomorrow at 5:00 pm CT and running through April 7. This is NOT a complete lockdown nor martial law. This is not a time to rush out and hoard supplies. This means what it sounds like – residents should stay at home.

You will continue to be able to go to grocery stores; go to pharmacies and healthcare facilities; get gas; run, hike, or walk your dog; and many people will continue to go to work. Utilities will still be provided, your garbage will still be picked up, schools will continue to provide meals, and many other services will continue to be provided. However, all non-essential businesses have been ordered to stop operations.

To note, Illinois has also relaxed the procedures for unemployment benefits, including the one-week waiting period. For complete information on this, please visit the IDES website.

Given that so many Teamster workplaces are considered “essential” under the order, your staff and representatives will remain available to support you as much as possible in the coming weeks.

The Union Hall will operate with reduced office staff and will be closed to visitors, but we will at this time maintain office hours throughout the week for you to call into the hall if needed and connect with your representatives or a TITAN Operator. Should this change, we will let you know.

Your Business Agents will remain on duty and be available for you throughout this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to them by calling the hall, their cell, or emailing them directly.

As a reminder, the March General Membership Meeting scheduled for March 29 has been cancelled. We will reevaluate the status of future meetings as the situation progresses.

Please continue to be careful out there and take this pandemic very seriously. If you are experiencing symptoms or concerned about exposure to someone who has been diagnosed with the virus, please contact your employer or Business Agent to determine the proper course of action. Stay tuned to Teamsters710.com and follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.