A Message from Secretary-Treasurer Mike Cales and the Local 710 Bargaining Committees for Jewel-Osco Warehouse and Transportation

Local 710 and Jewel-Osco continue to bargain for new agreements for our hardworking members that are the backbone of the Company’s Warehouse and Transportation operation in Melrose Park, Ill. As the expiration dates for these contracts loom, I write to provide an update.

I first want to acknowledge the great and hard work that your bargaining committees and Business Agents are doing. Your colleagues are not sitting at the bargaining table like potted plants. They are actively developing counterproposals, and using their experiences and commitment to you and your families to develop our bargaining strategy. Above all, they have shown inspiring resolve and determination in working to achieve a contract that guarantees dignity and respect. Their expertise and passion is a reminder that there is no Jewel-Osco without you. I also want to acknowledge the work of our counsel. We have two experienced and dedicated labor attorneys who have supported us every step of the way.  

As you know, we provided a comprehensive offer to the Company in January that included both economic and non-economic proposals. As is typical in labor negotiations, our negotiations first focused on non-economic issues, and your bargaining teams are proud of expanded paid leave, safeguards against unjust discipline, and scheduling protections that have already been won–amongst other key protections. 

Of course, we still have significant work to do in the remaining hours before these contracts expire. That is especially true since the Company did not pass us any proposal on wages and benefits until just a few days ago–a typical anti-union tactic aimed at trying to call our bluff. While we have since begun to discuss economic proposals with the Company–wages, benefits, and healthcare–the Company has not taken our demands seriously. Let me be clear: your Union and your bargaining committees will not settle for anything less than a contract that guarantees what you deserve, and what you need to support yourselves and your families, particularly in light of the rising cost of living.  

Your contracts expire on Sunday at 11:59 P.M. Every second matters, and your bargaining committees will be working around-the-clock until then. We remain focused, resolved, and unified as we let Jewel know: the clock is ticking.

Given how unserious Jewel has been at the bargaining table, your bargaining teams are committed to not granting the Company a contract extension unless warranted, and we fully expect to bring an offer to you in the coming days that warrants your attention – whether it’s a tentative agreement that your committee endorses, or an offer that the Company will need to understand is not good enough. Until you hear otherwise, we are asking you to keep working, and keep showing Jewel-Osco that you are at the heart of its operations. In all, whether it is through voting to accept a historic new contract, or rejecting the Company’s offer and authorizing a strike, your voice will be heard. 

We know that right now, there are many unknowns. In uncertain moments like these, rumors often swirl. Remember that the Company may very well be peddling false information intended to divide us. If there is any information to be shared, you will hear it directly from us. We cannot and will not let Jewel-Osco divide us. 

We appreciate your patience and your confidence in Local 710 and your bargaining committees. We will soon be in touch about meetings to review where we are and where we are headed, and answer any questions you may have so that you can make an informed vote. 

We will be in touch about next steps in the coming days, and we won’t stop working until we deliver a transformative contract that acknowledges what you do for the Company, and what you and your families need to grow and thrive. 

In Solidarity,

Mike Cales
Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 710