Teamsters Strike Expands from Chicago to L.A. and Minnesota

The Facts -

Chicago Teamsters Strike Over Contract Disputes Moves to Los Angeles and Minnesota

A labor dispute involving over a hundred Teamsters at Mauser Packaging Solutions in Chicago has now spread to the company's locations in Los Angeles and Minnesota. The workers, who are members of Teamsters Local 705, have initiated the strike in response to the company's failure to present a satisfactory contract.

"Mauser is striking itself by refusing to put a serious offer on the table," stated Juan Campos, President 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 Packaging Solutions, a major player in the packaging industry, manufactures products like drums, cans, bottles, and intermediate bulk containers. The Teamsters Union, which represents numerous Mauser employees across the United States, is standing firmly behind the Chicago workers as they push for better wages, improved benefits, and safer working conditions.

Leon Garrett, a Chicago warehouse worker and member of Local 705, voiced the concerns of many involved in the action: "All we’re asking is for wages and benefits that let us support our families and keep up with the cost of living. We don’t want to be on strike, but management left us no choice. This is about corporate greed, plain and simple."

The current strike is part of an ongoing struggle with Mauser, as evidenced by a recent incident in April where Mauser’s subsidiary, Industrial Container Services (ICS), locked out Teamsters Local 117 members in Seattle in an effort to weaken union influence during contract negotiations. This act has intensified the resolve of Local 705 members in Chicago.

"Mauser tried to push us out instead of bargaining fairly," said 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."

Expressing the unified stance of the union, Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, declared, "Mauser is about to find out what it means to take on the Teamsters. We are bringing the full strength of this union to the fight. Our members will not be disrespected, and we will not back down."

Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is a powerful labor union representing 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit Teamster.org. Follow their updates on X @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

---
Read More USA Works News