CICERO, IL | The Teamsters Local 710 Bargaining Committee for Breakthru Beverage has so far met with the Employer three times over the past two months. After an extremely slow start, the parties made some progress at the last bargaining session on March 29, 2022. 

In response to the slow movement, Local 710 conducted a strike authorization vote with the rank and file on March 26, which was unanimously approved. This vote gives the Union Committee the approval to call a strike if necessary.

“There is still considerable distance between both sides,” said Business Agent Bernie Sherlock. “The members on our committee are doing a great job giving a voice to the entire membership at the bargaining table. They’re passionate about our top issues and continue to stand strong.”

The company has yet to present an economic proposal and continues to be surprisingly unaware of the overall discouraged morale of the entire bargaining unit.

“Our members deserve respect and dignity in the workplace,” said Union Steward Jimmy Drews. “In order to achieve that, we’re working hard towards a fair and equitable agreement that the members will be proud to ratify.”

Both parties have agreed to an extension agreement and are scheduled to resume bargaining on April 12, 18, and 19.

Local 710 represents more than 120 liquor and wine distribution drivers at Breakthru’s facilities in Cicero and Rochelle, Ill.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, providing strong Union representation to more than 13,500 members across the midwest.