Chicago Teamsters Protect Health Care Benefits for Shuttle Drivers, Bellmen

Teamsters Local 727 representatives and the management of Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare have reached an agreement on a five-year contract for shuttle drivers and bellmen at the Rosemont hotel. The agreement runs from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021.

“The union and management were able to come together after three previous attempts to finally work out an agreement acceptable to our members,” said John Coli Jr., President of Local 727. “We commend the Crowne Plaza management on its willingness to work with the union and bargain in good faith throughout negotiations to achieve a fair contract for their workers.”

Among the terms the union fought for and won are the protection of healthcare benefits and the highest wage increase members have ever received. The union also won an additional sick day (7), plus now employees can roll over a portion of their sick days. Other significant wins include a premium for all office runs, expanded funeral leave, an overnight premium, an increase in fixed tour baggage at check-in and another paid break.

“In all my years working here, this is by far the best deal that we’ve gotten,” said Ray Pierce, the hotel’s steward. “We can’t thank our union enough for fighting for us and securing this contract.”

The previous five-year contract for 12 shuttle drivers and bellmen expired on December 31, 2016.

Members with questions should contact Business Agent Chris Owoyemi at (847) 696-7500 or chris@teamsterslocal727.org.

Teamsters Local 727 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, America’s premier labor union for Chicago, Illinois and northwest Indiana.