Manufacturing employees with Sun Belle Produce recently voted to join Local 703 in Chicago. There are 44 new Teamsters in the bargaining unit.

This new unit of produce employees will join four Sun Belle Produce distribution drivers already under contract with the Teamsters. For the past decade drivers at the company have enjoyed regular wage increases and strong health and welfare benefits as Teamster members.

Local 703 Business Representative Sam Scianna explained that the Teamsters were ready to go to bat for the inside workers at Sun Belle as soon as they reached out to the union.

“They saw the job security and benefits available to the Sun Belle drivers and knew they deserved the same chance to improve their circumstances at work,” Scianna said.

These new employees bring renewed strength to the bargaining unit in suburban Franklin Park. This is especially important as Local 703 prepares to negotiate Sun Belle’s new contact in fall 2013.

Scianna encouraged Teamsters to look for the yellow and red Sun Belle label on fruits and vegetables at the grocery store. “When you buy these products, you’re supporting hardworking Teamsters and growing good-paying Teamster jobs,” he said.

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