Here's the updated version with the inclusion of appreciation from the 703 Executive Board:
---
**Teamsters Local 703 Members Enjoy Successful Outing at Chicago Fire Game**
On August 31st, Teamsters Local 703 hosted a successful outing at the Chicago Fire game, bringing together our dedicated members for an evening of camaraderie and entertainment. The event was well-attended, with a strong turnout from our membership, including several members of our Executive Board who joined us for the festivities.
The atmosphere was electric as everyone gathered to support the Chicago Fire, enjoying not only the game but also the opportunity to connect with fellow members outside of the workplace. Events like these are crucial in fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within our union, and we are thrilled to have had such a positive response from those who participated.
A special note of appreciation goes to the 703 Executive Board for generously providing the tickets for all in attendance. Their support made this event possible, ensuring that every member who wanted to attend could enjoy the evening together.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the members who attended and made the night a success. Your involvement and enthusiasm continue to strengthen the bond we share as a union. We look forward to organizing more events like this in the future, as we continue to build our community and support one another both on and off the job.
Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events!
**In Solidarity,**
Teamsters Local 703.
ATTENTION MEMBERS: don’t forget to VOTE on the Teamsters Presidential endorsement.
Check the back of your latest issue of Teamster Magazine, scan the QR code, or click the link below to cast your vote for who the Teamsters should endorse for US President in 2024. All members are eligible to vote and are strongly encoura
Teamsters Local 703 Ratifies New 3-Year Contract with Sunbelle Inc.**
We are pleased to announce that our members at Sunbelle Inc. have successfully ratified a new 3-year contract with 100% of the vote in favor! This overwhelming support is a testament to the strength and unity of our membership.
The new agreement includes substantial wage increases of $1.25 in the first year, $1.00 in the second year, and $1.25 in the third year. These increases will greatly benefit all our members at Sunbelle Inc. over the next three years. The unanimous vote reflects our members' confidence in the bargaining process and the hard work put in by our dedicated team.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the bargaining committee, led by Trustee and Business Agent Sam Scianna and Shop Steward Javier Ramirez. Their leadership, commitment, and tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving this favorable outcome.
Together, we continue to build a stronger future for all members of Teamsters Local 703.
In Solidarity,
Teamsters Local 703
We are proud to celebrate a monumental milestone for our very own Vice President, Tony Carioscia, as he marks his 38th year as a dedicated member of Teamsters Local 703.
Tony's journey with Local 703 began in 1986, and since then, he has demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion for his work. He started his membership at Combined Foods, Mushroom Growers, and finally Ira Fisher before transitioning to a full-time Business Representative role in the early 90s.
Tony has been a steadfast advocate for our members, so far serving an impressive 10 terms in that position. His leadership and dedication have been instrumental in driving our mission forward, and we are thrilled to have him currently serving his first term as Vice President of Local 703.
Tony's contributions over the years have made a significant impact on our union and the lives of our members. Please join us in celebrating Tony’s remarkable 38-year journey with Teamsters Local 703!
Thank you, Tony, for your years of service and commitment to our members and the progress of our local.
Local 703 is proud to announce the ratification of our ILCBA / Landscape Construction Contract.The highlights of this landmark agreement include:
1. A $5.75 per hour wage increase
2. Retroactive pay effective from June 1, 2024
3. Severance/Pension benefits increased to $5.50 per hour of work, including all overtime
4. Enhanced holiday protections
5. Increased parking allowance
6. Starting in June 2025, the elimination of rain days, which previously allowed companies to require Saturday work at straight time if members were sent home during the week due to rain
The contract was overwhelmingly approved by Local 703 members with 143 votes in favor and none opposed.
We extend our gratitude to IUOE Local 150 for their invaluable partnership. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our President Pat Bruno, Officer Mario Martinez and Union Steward Jose Diaz.
We have reached an agreement and overwhelmingly ratified a new agreement. The vote was 108 Yes and 6 No's. Recording Secretary David McLin, Trustee Mario Martinez, Business Agent Terry Schoonhoven, Union Committee Vincent Paul, Brett Fisher, Matt Lenox, Kenneth Kegel, Mark Yone, Adam Pinkston, Aaron Stark, and I were successful in securing the richest contract in the history of this CBA. The following is a summary of this historic agreement:
- All work performed on Saturday and/or Sunday shall be paid at double time plus any applicable shift premiums and/or holiday pay.
- Better language for the Union Stewards, including the Company agreeing to provide space for two filing cabinets for the stewards' use.
- Increase in shoe allowance to $150 per year.
- Improved Driver Safety and subcontracting language.
- Union Pension increases.
- Fantastic Health & Welfare with very affordable retirement insurance and 66.67% of pay for short-term disability. $35 weekly rate frozen and level of coverage.
- Premium Shift Pay: from $1.60 per day to $0.75 per hour.
- Wages:
- Effective May 1, 2024: $3.00 per hour increase for all bargaining unit employees.
- Effective May 1, 2025: $2.00 per hour increase for all bargaining unit employees.
- Effective May 1, 2026: $2.00 per hour increase for all bargaining unit employees.
- Effective May 1, 2027: $1.25 per hour increase for all bargaining unit employees.
- Effective May 1, 2028: $1.25 per hour increase for all bargaining unit employees.
- Mechanics & Maintenance: an additional $1.00 per hour on top of wage increases. The company guarantees to cover the cost of tools in case of theft, fire, and acts of God.
- 40 hours of accrued leave for any reason.
- Additional cost to the Company of over $30 million.
We would like to thank the Union Committee for standing strong and representing all the members at Prairie Farms Dairy. To the Committee and our members, you have enriched our lives by your show of unwavering support throughout this process.
Pat Bruno, President - Teamsters Local No. 703
Local 703 joined forces with fellow Teamsters from Local 705 and other Locals in a show of solidarity against Amazon at their Skokie, Illinois facility. This collective effort aimed to combat the company's unfair labor practices and union-busting tactics. The demonstration was bolstered by the presence of community leaders, politicians, and Teamsters from across the state. The unified front sent a clear message to Amazon and similar companies: any attempt to undermine any member or group within the Teamsters will be met with resistance from the entire organization!
All of us at 703 wish to send congratulations to our very own, Lynelle Ortiz, a dedicated member and union shop steward at Testa Produce of Teamsters Local 703, on his new opportunity to become a full-time organizer with Joint Council 25. Throughout his tenure with Local 703, Lynelle has demonstrated unwavering commitment and leadership. As a steward and part-time organizer, he has played a pivotal role in five successful organizing campaigns, significantly boosting the membership of Local 703.
Lynelle's efforts have not only expanded our ranks but also strengthened the solidarity and effectiveness of our union. His hard work and dedication have been invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all he has done for our local. We are confident that in his new role, Lynelle will continue to drive positive change and growth for our union. We wish him all the success in his new position and look forward to the remarkable contributions he will undoubtedly make in the future.
We at Local 703 send gratitude and congrats to our esteemed business agents, Sam Scianna, Tony Carioscia, and Johnny Scianna, alongside their steadfast bargaining committee, for their unwavering dedication in negotiating a transformative new contract at Golden Country. This landmark agreement includes unprecedented wage increases, with senior members in multiple classifications receiving up to $2 in the first year, and an average increase of $1 annually and more for other members, along with enhanced vacation benefits. Furthermore, the contract secures language guaranteeing hours for our workforce. This achievement represents a significant milestone for Golden Country and underscores our agents' commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our members. Thank you for your exemplary leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of our members.
We are Proud to announce that Mario Martinez, the Union Committee and myself, Pat Bruno held the Kraft/Heinz Claussen Pickle Ratification Vote today.
It Passed Overwhelmingly giving Our Members the Best CBA Ever! Wage Increases that will cost the Company over Ten Million Dollars, Union Insurance at a cost of 4.8 Million Dollars, Bonuses at a Cost of two hundred and fifty five thousand Dollars, More Money on Shift Differentials, More Money for Boot allowance, More Money for Sick Days a cost of over Sixteen Million Dollars!
Teamsters Supporting Teamsters 👊 Buy Claussen Pickles 👍
Teamsters International Communications Photographer stopped by one of our facilities to take some photos & videos of our hard working members at Lakeshore Beverage in Arlington Heights for the upcoming Soft Drink Conference. *Pictured here is some of our members as well as our Business Agent Giovan (Johnny) Scianna.
Copyright © 2024 TeamstersLocal703.com - All Rights Reserved.