(BEDFORD PARK, Ill.) – Over 130 workers at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) have voted for union representation with Teamsters Local 781. The print and production workers left the sham Printing Packaging and Production Workers Union (PPPWU) to gain higher wages, better benefits, and a real voice on the job.
“We joined the Teamsters because we knew no other union could deliver the protections we’ve long needed. We saw other graphics workers win strong contracts by becoming the Teamsters, and we wanted the same,” said Carlos Maldonado, a PCA worker and new member of Local 781. “The PPPWU never delivered for us. They were only in it for themselves. As Teamsters, we will win a strong contract that ensures fair treatment and compensation that reflects our hard work.”
In a failed attempt to stop the group from joining the Teamsters, the PPPWU desperately tried to intimidate workers and delay the organizing process. These efforts backfired, fueling worker militancy.
“It feels great to finally have a real union in our corner fighting for us no matter what,” said Melquiades Manriquez-Ortega, a PCA worker and new member of Local 781. “The Teamsters had our backs throughout the entire process, even when the PPPWU tried to stop us. Seeing the professionalism of the Teamsters has been such a relief after dealing with the pathetic PPPWU for so long.”
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., under 50 miles from the Bedford Park facility, PCA is one of the largest producers of containerboard and packaging in North America. The company is worth nearly $20 billion, and its workers generated roughly $9 billion in revenue last year.
“These new Teamsters put up with a lot as they courageously fought to join our union. They not only had to fight against a company but also the PPPWU, which shamelessly tried to scare them out of demanding the strong union representation they deserve,” said Paul Stripling, President of Local 781. “Our new brothers and sisters did not break or bend. We’re proud to give them a strong union voice.”
Teamsters Local 781 represents thousands of workers from a range of industries including printing and packaging, airline, and warehouse. For more information, go to Teamsters781.org.
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