On April 13, with the help of donations from Project C.U.R.E. Chicago, the Teamsters Public Services Division was able to secure and deliver a large supply of masks and other PPE for members at the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC) in Chicago. The Local 700 members have been on the front lines during this pandemic and have been in need of additional gear.

“The supplies came in last Monday and immediately went out to correctional officers. Our members were greatly appreciative to the IBT for all their work to ensure workers are protected,” said Teamsters Local 700 President Ramon D. Williams.

In addition to 10 boxes of N95 masks, the Division was able to secure:

• 10 boxes of gloves (sterile and non-sterile)

• Three boxes of hand sanitizers

• Three boxes of bleach wipes

• Three boxes of coveralls/suits

• Two boxes of gowns

From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Local 700 had demanded proper PPE for corrections officers at the Cook County Jail, one of the largest outbreaks of COVID-19 in the country. The recommendation for universal masking across jail facilities includes staff responsible for direct interaction or care involving detainees and staff who do not normally interact directly with patients and residents, such as administrative, dietary, environmental services and facility maintenance staff. With the help of the union, workers will now reduce their chance of transmission from inmates who may have the virus but are otherwise asymptomatic.

“The Division secured so much PPE that we are still delivering it over a week later,” Williams said.

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