A contract victory covering more than 450 Teamsters represented by Local 618 in St. Louis was ratified by 95 percent of the vote.

On September 16, Teamsters auto dealer members ratified a new five-year agreement. The contract covers workers at more than 40 individual car dealerships in the St. Louis and surrounding area who are parts managers, parts counterpersons, drivers, porters, order fillers and packers.

“With strong leadership by our local union officers and all Local 618 dealer members who are affected by this agreement, we were able to achieve a great contract that addressed our concerns and also gave us job security for the next five years,” said Rob Boone, a member of the local bargaining unit committee who is employed by Lou Fusz Dodge. “We also ratified the agreement two weeks before the expiration of the contract.”

Several meetings were held with Local 618 and the St. Louis Auto Dealers Association to reach the new agreement, which includes wage increases each year of agreement; pension increases each year of agreement; and fully funded Local 618 health and welfare.

“We were adamant in obtaining a five year agreement for our members to ensure their security long term,” said Local 618 Recording Secretary Tom Cole, who represents the Local 618 dealership members. “We were successful in our goal.”

“The vote clearly showed the membership was entirely behind the committee’s recommendation,” Kropp said.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via email