Illinois Teamsters Celebrate Major Victory with $4.5 Million Settlement Against CMS

A Major Victory for Illinois Teamsters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Teamsters Local 916 has achieved a landmark victory with a $4.5 million settlement against the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) due to the unlawful withholding of wages. This settlement signifies the successful culmination of a months-long struggle involving more than 500 members of the ProTech bargaining unit at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT).

For over eleven months, these dedicated professionals were denied the wage increases to which they were entitled under their collective bargaining agreement. The resolution of this grievance reflects the unwavering commitment of Teamsters Local 916 to uphold workers' rights and ensure that members receive what they rightfully earned.

JP Fyans III, President of Local 916, expressed relief and satisfaction stating, "After months of fighting to secure legally owed wage increases, ProTech Teamsters finally have justice. This settlement serves as a strong reminder to employers that violating a Teamsters contract will be met with rigorous legal actions. We are hopeful that this will pave the way towards addressing ongoing challenges related to recruitment and retention of qualified staff, alongside IDOT moving forward."

Melinda Winkelman, a ProTech shop steward, added, "Honoring our agreed terms enhances the sense of value that long-serving workers feel for their contributions to Illinois travelers and taxpayers."

The journey to this settlement has not been easy. Local 916 engaged in over ten months of negotiations aimed at securing a fair contract, which was ultimately ratified in March 2024. Following this ratification, Local 916 filed multiple grievances against CMS on behalf of the hundreds of ProTech Teamsters whose wage increases had been wrongfully withheld.

Shannon Leesman, a representative for Division 6 at IDOT, noted, "It has been a long and frustrating journey, but we are pleased to have reached a resolution on these wage matters. These increases are crucial for both retaining our current workforce and attracting new talent in the future."

The successful resolution not only underscores the importance of collective bargaining power but also highlights the role of unions in protecting the rights of workers across various sectors. Teamsters Local 916 proudly represents over 4,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois, from Chicago to Carbondale and East St. Louis to Champaign. Their mission is clear: to advocate for working families and ensure fair treatment and compensation.

For further information and updates, you can visit teamsters916.org.

This settlement not only brings immediate relief but also establishes a precedent that may inspire other workforce unions facing similar injustices. Local 916's resolve in this case is a testament to their commitment to empowering workers and safeguarding their rights in the labor landscape of Illinois.