New Contract Creates Full-Time Jobs in Illinois (11/30/07)

The 120 RWDSU Local 20 members who work at Follette Corporation warehouses in Woodbridge and River Grove, Illinois ratified a new three-year pact that not only raises wages, but also pulled the plug on the company's plan to hire temp workers instead of full-time workers.

"Since the contract went into effect, the company hired new workers from the pool of temporary workers, and this has meant a big improvement for them in terms of wags and benefits," said RWDSU Chicago Joint Board President Amelia Tucker. Tucker pointed out that many employers try to hire workers as temps to avoid the responsibility of paying them fair wages and giving them good benefits.

The new Local 20 contract also guarantees workers additional sick days, increased shift differential for those working nights, increased disability benefits, flexibility in scheduling vacations, and a $250 signing bonus.