CHICAGO — Teamsters Local 727 joins the State of Illinois in mourning the death of State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, who died Dec. 10 of complications from a stroke.

“Judy stood up for the men and women of this state, and she never backed away from a challenge,” said John T. Coli, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 727. “She was a rare individual whose allegiance, first and foremost, was always to the working families of Illinois and not to her political party.”

A year ago, Topinka and her staff at the Illinois Comptroller’s office took the extra step to help settle a months-long labor dispute between funeral industry giant Service Corporation International and Teamsters Local 727-represented funeral directors, embalmers and drivers.

“Judy jumped into a difficult dispute when most people, especially politicians, were backing away from the 59 affected workers,” Coli said. “She had nothing to gain personally or politically; her sole interest was in finding a solution.”

“Judy was a champion for unions and for working people, a great leader and an even better friend. We shall miss her dearly.”

 

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