Illinois Kilcoy Workers Join Teamsters, Set to Negotiate First Contract

The Facts -

Workers at Illinois Food Processing Plant Join Teamsters Local 301

Contact: Lena Melentijevic
Phone: (347) 208-2279
Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org

In a significant move, over 140 employees at Kilcoy Global Foods in Mundelein, Illinois, have decided to affiliate with Teamsters Local 301. With a decisive vote tally of 127-4, the workers are ready to negotiate their inaugural contract.

Michael Haffner, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 301, hailed the decision as a major win for the Kilcoy workforce. He acknowledged the effort of their organizing team led by Netza Rodriguez, stating, “Local 301 is ready to stand alongside our brothers and sisters as they negotiate a first contract.”

The employees at Kilcoy Global Foods are responsible for processing and packaging meat and protein products, which are supplied to significant retailers such as Costco and Trader Joe’s.

Jesse Case, who oversees the Teamsters Food Processing Division, emphasized the challenges of confronting large corporations. “Standing your ground against multibillion-dollar companies isn’t easy,” he noted. He highlighted the growing demand for respect and fair treatment in the workplace, stating that the Teamsters will support the workers' fight for these rights.

Now part of the union, these workers are embarking on negotiations to improve their wages, benefits, and work conditions.

Clemente Trejo, a Kilcoy employee and Local 301 member, expressed the workers' sentiments, saying, “Every product that leaves this plant reflects the hard work and skill we bring to our jobs. We just want a contract that reflects our value and allows us to feed our children, too.”

Teamsters Local 301 represents more than 1,200 workers throughout Northeast Illinois. Additional information can be found on their website.

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