LOCAL 703 update 3/20/25
Fresh Thyme Workers Ratify Powerful 4-Year Teamsters Local 703 Contract!
Teamsters Local 703 is proud to announce a major contract victory for our members at Fresh Thyme Warehouse in Bolingbrook, IL, where an overwhelming 97.5% of the membership voted YES to ratify a strong new 4-year agreement that delivers across the board.
This contract brings real, lasting improvements for our hardworking members:
• Over a 34% wage increase across all classifications
• A $2,250 signing bonus for every member
• Increased incentive pay and more attainable incentive targets
• Stronger, member-focused discipline language for added protection
• Better language honoring any Teamsters picket or strike line
• Improved holiday pay language and enhanced vacation usage rights
• And for the first time ever: a 40-hour weekly guarantee that covers the majority of the workforce at the facility
This 4-year deal sets a new standard and reflects the strength and unity of our members at Fresh Thyme.
We want to extend a special thank you to the bargaining committee, whose tireless dedication at the table helped bring this win home:
• Vice President Tony Carioscia
• Trustee & Business Agent Sam Scianna
• Business Agent Johnny Scianna
• Union Stewards Dale Wisinski, Jose Gonzalez, and Johnny Galvan
Because of their leadership and the solidarity of the membership, Fresh Thyme Teamsters are now better protected, better compensated, and better prepared for the future.
Teamsters Local 703 — Stronger Together, Always Fighting Forward!
703 Update 2/1/25 Local 703 Stewards Attend IBT Training
Thank You to Our Union Shop Stewards!
Teamsters Local 703 would like to thank our dedicated Union Shop Stewards who attended the IBT Steward Training, conducted by Nick Perry and hosted by Teamsters Local 179. This training brought together stewards from multiple Teamster Locals to strengthen their knowledge and skills in representing our members.
Your dedication to protecting workers rights and ensuring fairness in the workplace is invaluable. We appreciate your commitment to making our union stronger every day!
Building union power at the IBT Steward Training. Education and solidarity in action!
IBT Update 2/1/25
IBT Looking for Organizers
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Organizing Department is looking for experienced individuals to support the growth of our Union. We are currently hiring Lead Organizers and International Organizers to engage in hands-on strategic campaign organizing.
Several vacancies are available, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply!
Basic Qualifications:
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience organizing in a labor union environment.
• Experience organizing on strategic leverage campaigns.
• Extensive knowledge of labor union structure, organizing principles, labor movement history, anti-union strategies, and labor law.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
• Ability to travel extensively.
If you have the organizing skills and experience to contribute to the IBT Organizing Department, we encourage you to apply today!
How to Apply:
Submit your cover letter and résumé to jberrios@teamster.org, and include the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email. No phone calls, please.
703 Update 12/27/24
Celebrating the Retirement of Member and Steward Angelo Perry
Teamsters Local 703 would like to congratulate and honor our union shop steward Angelo Perry on his well-deserved retirement. Angelo has been a proud union member for an incredible 44 years, serving as a dedicated shop steward at Schamberger Brothers.
Throughout his career, Angelo worked as both a warehouse worker and a driver, always embodying the values of hard work, solidarity, and leadership. His unwavering commitment to representing his fellow members and standing up for workers’ rights has made a lasting impact on our union and the lives of many.
We thank Angelo for his decades of service and dedication to Local 703. Congratulations on your retirement, and best wishes as you enjoy this next chapter! You’ve earned it!
In solidarity,
Teamsters Local 703
Local 703 update 10/9/24
Ratification Notice for Lineage - Joliet
Three-Year Contract with Lineage - Joliet
We are excited to announce that members of Teamsters Local 703 have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract with Lineage Logistics in Joliet, IL, with 85% of the members voting in favor. This contract delivers significant gains in wages, benefits, and working conditions for our members.
Key highlights of the new contract include:
• Wage Increases: Members will receive annual raises over the next three years,
starting with a $1.15 increase in 2024. $1.10 in 2025 and $1.10 in 2026.
• Starting Wage: New hires will receive an increase of $2 to raise the minimum starting wage to $22 per hour.
• Health Benefits: The contract includes improved health coverage, with vision and dental plans included, and a cap on employee contributions. Starting next year, employees will also receive short-term and long-term disability benefits in line with those offered to non-union employees at Lineage.
• Vacation & Personal Time: Increased vacation time and more flexibility in using personal and sick time.
• Attendance Policy: A revamped attendance system with shorter disciplinary periods and opportunities to reduce attendance points.
• Workplace Protections: New provisions ensuring proper work gear and enhanced break times for longer shifts.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Local 703 Executive Board for their support and trust in our bargaining committee throughout the negotiating process. Additionally, we want to recognize and thank the members of the bargaining committee—Vice President Tony Carioscia, Business Agent Johnny Scianna, and Stewards Tim Smith, John Stidwell, and Stephen Orasco—for their dedication and hard work during the negotiations.
This contract is the result of strong collaboration between the union and our members, securing important improvements for everyone. Thank you to all who supported and voted for this agreement!
Together, we’ve made Local 703 stronger.
703 update 8/31/24
703 @ Chicago Fire Game
**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.
