Press Releases
Teamsters at Universal Promotions Ratify First Contract
Teamsters Local 710 Members Secure Improved Wages, Benefits, Job Protections
Press Contact: Karen Burcham Phone: (773) 254-3200 Email: kburcham@teamsters710.org
(CHICAGO) – Teamsters Local 710’s newest members at Universal Promotions overwhelmingly ratified a strong first contract. The 25 promotional products workers who voted to join Local 710 in May have reached an agreement with their employer in less than four months of bargaining.
“On behalf of thousands of Local 710 members, I am thrilled that our brothers and sisters at Universal Promotions have the protections of a new Teamsters contract,” said Mike Cales, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 710. “We’re very proud of the initiative and solidarity these workers have shown over the past few months, and even more proud to provide them with the best representation possible.”
Universal Promotions is a promotional vendor providing a wide range of products and services including screen printing, embroidery, and engraving.
“One of the most important things we were looking for was strong representation to have a voice in our workplace, and we knew the Teamsters could deliver,” said Cecilia Sandoval, an e-store and inventory controller. “We stood together to secure the best contract we’ve ever had, and we all see firsthand how the Teamsters have our backs.”
At the bargaining table, Local 710 successfully secured the full array of Teamsters protections from grievance procedures to daily guarantees and everything in between. The new contract includes unprecedented wage increases, additional vacation time and holidays, expanded bereavement leave, personal days, and parental leave.
“This is a really exciting win for these workers who do a great job putting together quality union products enjoyed by people across North America,” said Mike Lloyd, an organizer at Local 710. “It’s been a pleasure working alongside them, and it’s a privilege to see a Local 710 union bug on their products. I look forward to a continued partnership with each of them.”
Teamsters Local 710 represents thousands of workers from a range of industries throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. For more information, go to Teamsters710.com.