Teamsters Win $4.5M Settlement for Withheld Wages in Illinois

Illinois Workers Reclaim $4.5 Million in Back Pay

Press Contact: Colin McCullough Phone: (856) 625-6856 Email: cmccullough@teamster.org

In Springfield, Illinois, a significant victory was achieved by Teamsters Local 916, securing a $4.5 million settlement for ProTech workers whose wages were unlawfully withheld by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). These employees, part of a bargaining unit, had been denied their due raises for more than 11 months, despite an agreement in their collective contract.

Employees from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) were particularly affected by this delay in wage increases.

JP Fyans III, President of Local 916, emphasized the importance of this settlement: “After months of fighting to secure legally owed wage increases, ProTech Teamsters finally have justice. This settlement should send a clear message to this employer and any other employers, that when you violate a Teamsters contract, Teamsters will zealously pursue all legal options to secure the wages workers rightfully earned and deserve. With this settlement, we are optimistic that we have turned a corner with IDOT and the unresolved issues of recruiting new employees and retaining talented members will be our joint focus moving forward.”

Another voice from the ProTech unit, shop steward Melinda Winkelman, highlighted the importance of this decision for the morale of the workers at IDOT: “Honoring this segment of our agreed upon contract is a step toward making IDOT’s dedicated long-term workers feel valued for the service they provide to the travelers and taxpayers of Illinois.”

The journey to this resolution was not swift. Local 916 spent over 10 months negotiating a fair contract, with ratification occurring in March 2024. Following this, nine grievances were lodged against CMS, representing the interests of hundreds of workers affected by the wage holdback.

Shannon Leesman, a Division 6 representative at IDOT, expressed relief at the outcome: “This has been a long and frustrating process, but I am glad we have come to a resolution on the wages. These wage increases will go a long way toward retaining current employees and hiring new employees for the future.”

Teamsters Local 916 represents over 4,000 workers in various regions, from Chicago to Champaign. For additional details, visit teamsters916.org.