#United States #Chicago #Teamsters Local 710 #Labor Contract #Universal Promotions

Teamsters Secure First Contract with Universal Promotions

In a significant step for labor rights, Teamsters Local 710 has successfully ratified its first contract with new members at Universal Promotions. A decisive vote took place on September 4, 2025, where 25 workers in the promotional products sector endorsed the new agreement. This milestone came about less than four months after these workers expressed their desire to join Teamsters Local 710.

The Road to Representation

The move to unionize was spurred by the need for better working conditions and employee representation. Workers sought safeguards that would ensure their voices were heard in the workplace. As Cecilia Sandoval, an e-store and inventory controller at Universal Promotions, articulated, “One of the most important things we were looking for was strong representation to have a voice in our workplace, and we knew the Teamsters could deliver.”

This sentiment resonates with Mike Cales, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 710, who praised the commitment and solidarity exhibited by the members during the organizing process. He stated, “On behalf of thousands of Local 710 members, I am thrilled that our brothers and sisters at Universal Promotions have the protections of a new Teamsters contract.”

What the Contract Entails

The ratified contract encompasses a comprehensive range of employee protections and benefits.
1. Enhanced Wages: One of the most notable achievements is the increase in wages, a long-standing concern among the workers that has now been effectively addressed.
2. Job Protections: The workers now benefit from mechanisms that safeguard against unfair treatment and enhance job stability.
3. Additional Leave: The new terms provide more vacation days, additional holidays, bereavement leave, personal days, and parental leave.
4. Grievance Procedures: The contract includes established procedures that allow workers to raise concerns and seek resolutions in a formal manner.

A Union of Quality

Universal Promotions, based in Chicago, specializes in providing a diverse array of promotional products including screen printing, embroidery, and engraving services. The success of this contract signifies not only a victory for the employees but also ensures that the quality of work provided under the Teamsters banner is upheld throughout North America.

Mike Lloyd, an organizer at Local 710, remarked, “This is a really exciting win for these workers who do a great job putting together quality union products enjoyed by people across North America.” He expressed enthusiasm for the journey ahead, stating, “I look forward to a continued partnership with each of them.”

Looking Forward

Teamsters Local 710 is dedicated to representing a diverse range of workers across various industries in Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. The successful ratification of this contract highlights the continued importance of labor unions in advocating for fair wages and improved working conditions. Workers at Universal Promotions have taken a significant step not only for their own futures but for the continuing fight for labor rights across the nation. For more details, visit Teamsters710.com.

This landmark agreement underscores the power of collective bargaining in achieving equitable workplace standards and provides a model for other workers seeking similar outcomes. As the labor landscape continues to evolve, the triumph at Universal Promotions stands as a testament to the strength of union solidarity.