More than 100 Teamsters at Mauser Packaging Solutions in Chicago have initiated a strike due to the company’s failure to propose a fair contract. The warehouse workers, who are represented by Teamsters Local 705, are seeking improved wages, enhanced benefits, and safer working conditions.
“Mauser is striking itself by refusing to put a serious offer on the table,” stated Juan Campos, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 705 and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large. “Our members do essential work, and they deserve a contract that reflects their value. They are taking action to hold this greedy company accountable.”
Mauser is an international packaging firm producing drums, cans, bottles, and intermediate bulk containers. The Teamsters union represents numerous Mauser employees across the United States. The strike led by Local 705 in Chicago has now extended to other Mauser locations in Los Angeles and Minnesota.
“All we’re asking is for wages and benefits that let us support our families and keep up with the cost of living,” commented Leon Garrett, a warehouse worker at Mauser’s Chicago facility and member of Local 705. “We don’t want to be on strike, but management left us no choice. This is about corporate greed, plain and simple.”
Previously in April, Mauser’s subsidiary Industrial Container Services (ICS) locked out members of Teamsters Local 117 in Seattle during contract negotiations. This current strike by Local 705 marks an escalation against what is perceived as Mauser’s anti-union tactics.
“Mauser tried to push us out instead of bargaining fairly,” noted Brian Perfitt, a locked-out Teamster at ICS and member of Local 117. “Now they’re trying the same thing in Chicago — but they’re not just fighting one group of Teamsters. They’re up against the entire Teamsters Union.”
“Mauser is about to find out what it means to take on the Teamsters,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “We are bringing the full strength of this union to the fight. Our members will not be disrespected, and we will not back down.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents 1.3 million individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
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