3,000 Corrections Officers Join the Teamsters (major organizing victory)

[Omaha Steve]

http://news.prnewswire.com/ViewContent.aspx?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-20-2009/0004992260&EDATE=

Cook County Workers Overwhelmingly Choose New Representation

CHICAGO, March 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a major organizing victory, more than 3,000 Cook County Corrections officers voted this week to join the Teamsters.

Workers at the Cook County Corrections Facility at 2600 S. California Ave. held elections on Tuesday and Thursday to accommodate the significant number of those seeking a new union. Previously under contract with the Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP), the employees overwhelmingly chose the Teamsters over continued MAP representation or a new deal with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

"This is a landmark victory for the Teamsters of which so many should be so proud," said John T. Coli, Joint Council 25 President. "All of our Locals throughout the Chicagoland area deserve a heartfelt thank you for their tireless efforts in this election. Having let everyone know just what kind of representation they deserve, these hardworking corrections officers may now take comfort in knowing they made the right decision."

A committee of corrections officers worked closely with Joint Council organizers and Teamsters Local 714 in previous weeks to rally the workers in a new direction. Approximately 3,200 officers will join Local 714, which will begin first contract negotiations as soon as possible.

"The Teamsters campaign for these dedicated officers exceeded our expectations," said Barb Cornett with Local 714. "They were really looking for professional representation and they're going to get it."

Of the 2,122 officers who voted this week, 1,090 chose the Teamsters Union.


SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 25