Franklin Park Stewards Shawn Williams & Ed Owens with Business Agent John “Shaggy” Rule.
Romeoville Stewards Johnny Aviles, Steward Young, and Abel Ortega with Business Agent Phil Reams.

ROMEOVILLE & FRANKLIN PARK, IL | Teamsters Local 710 Drivers and Warehouse Workers at Quality Custom Distribution (QCD) voted overwhelmingly – 199 to 2 – to reject their employer’s last offer and authorized the Bargaining Committee to call for a strike if necessary.

“When the Company presented their offer, we knew that it would inflame the membership,” said Secretary-Treasurer Mike Cales. “Our Committee will continue to not support any agreement that doesn’t recognize the hard work our members do 365 days a year for this employer. We need to continue to bring QCD in line with other players in this industry because they are still behind. We need to improve benefits. We need to protect our workers on the job.”

The Company’s last offer failed to adequately address some of the major issues of the bargaining unit, including improving healthcare and making it more affordable, as well as limiting the Company’s use of cameras and AI.

“I think we made a strong statement today with our vote,” said Steward Young, Driver Steward at Romeoville. “We made sure to bring everyone’s voices to the bargaining table, and now this vote solidifies what we’ve been saying for weeks. I’m looking forward to getting back to work for all our brothers and sisters next week to reach an agreement that benefits all of us who keep QCD a successful partner with our vendors.”

Teamsters are instructed to continue to work as directed until further notice. The Bargaining Committee will keep members informed as negotiations continue.

“We’ve got work to do, and the Company needs to sharpen their pencils,” said Business Agent John “Shaggy” Rule. “We’ve already worked through a lot of issues throughout the contract, and we’re down to just a few major items that really need some more attention. QCD likes to say that we all have a ‘partnership,’ but they need to show us that in the form of a fair and equitable contract.”

Local 710 represents 230 drivers and warehouse workers at QCD in Romeoville and Franklin Park, Ill. as well as a small satellite facility near St. Louis, Mo. The workers handle the delivery of products to Starbucks locations across Illinois.