MOKENA, IL | Last Sunday, Local 710 Sysco Chicago Teamsters gathered at the Union hall to get an update on contract negotiations and conduct a strike authorization vote. Nearly 150 drivers showed up and made their voices heard: They voted almost unanimously to authorize the Union bargaining committee to call for a strike if necessary.

“These drivers are engaged, unified, and poised to take action against an employer that treats them like they don’t matter,” said Secretary-Treasurer Mike Cales. “We have less than two weeks left at this point – This vote sends a clear message to the Company that they better sharpen their pencils, and fast. Our drivers are a huge part of the reason Sysco is a profitable company, and it’s time we’re treated as such.”

There are several major issues still on the table that have not been addressed, including the company’s handling of the attendance policy, the accident review committee, Union healthcare, wages, how shifts are handled, and excessive overtime. Add vindictive members of management into that mix, and the work environment has become extremely stressful with the temperature ready to boil over.

“The Company likes to say we are ‘unusual’ – which translates into the fact that our drivers have fought hard over the years to secure strong protections that Sysco doesn’t like,” said Business Agent Mike Ramirez. “We’re not letting up on that fight to continue to get what we deserve. We are united, and that’s what makes the ‘unusual’ possible.”

The Union is set to meet with the Company two more times ahead of the February 22 contract expiration.

Teamsters Local 710 is an affiliate of Joint Council 25 and represents more than 13,500 workers in a variety of industries throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.