Workers at a large party rental company in the Midwest are celebrating their new membership in the Teamsters, after a vote in favor of joining Local 710 in Chicago.

The drivers, helpers, erectors, linen and warehouse workers for Classic Party Rentals perform a variety of tasks in setting up for special occasions. From transporting equipment to erecting tents, the 128 workers can be found working major national events like the Kentucky Derby and NASCAR races.

According to Local 710 Business Agent Michael Rossow, the workers had a number of concerns that led them to organize. The workers, who travel for weeks at a time, had been put four or five to a hotel room while on the road, and had to be reimbursed for the use of their own funds, which is a process that could take up to several months. They also needed better health insurance, and respect and dignity in their workplace.

The workers decided to organize as Teamsters when they crossed paths with Teamster members who work for Hall’s Rental, another large party rental company in the Chicagoland area whose workers are represented by Local 710.

Despite a tough anti-union campaign waged by the company, the workers’ campaign to organize was completed in just eight weeks. The Chicago Teamsters Hispanic Caucus aided greatly in the campaign to organize; about 95 percent of the work force at Classic Party Rentals is Hispanic.

“This was a great victory for our new members. They are very excited and they are looking forward to beginning negotiations,” said Patrick W. Flynn, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 710 and a Central Region Vice President.

“Congratulations to the newest members of our union. They are to be commended for uniting as Teamsters for the improvements they deserve, and we look forward to assisting in the negotiation of a contract that will raise standards in their workplace,” said John T. Coli, President of Joint Council 25 and a Central Region Vice President.

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