Illinois Drivers at LRS Choose Teamsters for Better Pay and Security

Illinois Drivers Join Teamsters Union for Better Working Conditions

In a significant move for workers' rights, 46 drivers from Lakeshore Recycling Services (LRS) in Illinois have opted for representation by the Teamsters Union. This victory adds these drivers to the growing number of LRS employees nationwide who have chosen to join the union.

Rafael Gavina Jr., one of the drivers, expressed the challenges of the process but highlighted the unity and strength found in numbers. "This wasn’t an easy fight, but it was well worth it," Gavina stated, emphasizing the group's readiness to pursue a fair contract.

The decision to unionize was driven by the workers' desire for enhanced wages, improved benefits, and greater job security under a Teamsters contract. These drivers perform crucial waste collection services for households and businesses across the nation.

Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, acknowledged the hard work involved in the campaign. He remarked, “LRS isn’t as anti-worker as some of the companies we deal with — like Republic and Waste Management — but this was still a hard-fought campaign. We couldn’t have done it without the hard work of Joint Council 25 and the International Organizing Department.” Stiles praised the persistence the workers demonstrated and expressed eagerness to assist in negotiating a fair labor agreement.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information is available at Teamster.org. Follow them on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@teamster.org