JOLIET, IL | More than 40 Drivers and Helpers at Mahoney Environmental in Joliet are on strike as of midnight yesterday. Teamsters Local 710 and Mahoney Environmental have been negotiating for a new contract since June of last year. Initially a small group of City Drivers, the Unit expanded when all of Mahoney’s Drivers and Helpers in Illinois voted to join Teamsters Local 710.

Negotiations continually declined, ultimately leading to a final offer by the employer that included concessions and dividing the bargaining unit. The offer was overwhelmingly rejected 34 to 7 Monday afternoon.

“The main goal of our members is to bring the entire unit to a level playing field,” said Business Agent Mike Ramirez. “This employer really wants to divide its workforce, but we will not stand for that. We want a fair contract that works for everyone and ensures equality across the board. These members do the same job, they need the same respect.”

The employer’s offer was crafted to divide the workforce. A handful of drivers were offered coverage under the Local 710 Health & Welfare Fund, but most would continue under the company insurance plan. A handful of drivers were offered the dignity and security of a Local 710 Pension, but most were left to fend for themselves in a Company 401(k) plan with significantly lower contributions. In addition, the employer also proposed restrictive camera language and a reduction in vacation pay. 

“Local 710 represents two other employers in this industry, and Mahoney is lagging far behind – especially when it comes to health, welfare, and retirement,” said Secretary-Treasurer Mike Cales. “It is imperative that all of our members enjoy the same level of benefits that their competitors receive. Dependable, affordable healthcare and the ability to retire with dignity must be the baseline for all members.”

Mahoney Drivers Robert Ford and Alan Kondrisack have been working diligently on the bargaining committee, bringing one voice of all members to the table.

“We need equality, plain and simple,” said Ford. “Our employer is spending so much time trying to divide us and spread misinformation, but we are standing strong together. We work hard for Mahoney – we want them to do the same for us.”

The Local also filed an unfair labor practice charge against the employer last month after Mahoney misrepresented the amount contributed to members’ 401(k) funds during negotiations. The Unfair Practice was discussed at length before the members voted to strike.  Local 710 is waiting to hear from the employer when they might be willing to return to the table.

Mahoney Drivers and Helpers work out of three facilities across Illinois that pick up used cooking oil and clean grease traps for various customers, including several large restaurant chains.