Pasquale Gianni, Council and Political Director of Teamsters Joint Council 25 appeared on the the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained why the Teamsters employed by the Illinois Department of Transportation are preparing to go on strike against the administration of Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Gianni discussed how the current battle with IDOT actually started during the term of former Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. During Rauner’s tenure, members of the Teamsters went four years without a Collective Bargaining Agreement and had their paychecks frozen. However, they were able to negotiate a move to the Teamster’s Union Health and Welfare plan, which proved to be an upgrade in benefits and ultimately resulted in less wages deducted from the paycheck for insurance.
Today, the administration of Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, wants the IDOT Teamsters to go back on the state’s plan, which Gianni called a no-starter. Eight Local Unions under the Joint Council’s umbrella have reached their breaking point during these negotiations, and by a 95 percent margin, voted to authorize a strike.
He acknowledged that the Teamster’s Health and Welfare plan has Cadilac benefits that the members do not want to give up. He believes Pritzker wants all the state’s union employees to be on the same plan as a way not to show favoritism. A final decision to go on strike could come within the next few weeks.
Listen to the entire episode to hear more about the situation of Teamsters Joint Council 25.