IDOT Lawsuit Update An investigation by the state’s executive inspector general determined that about 255 people were hired at IDOT over a period of 10 years in violation of anti-patronage rules. In late August, acting IDOT Secretary Erica Borggren announced that 58 people hired as staff assistants, including 55 Teamsters, would be laid off effective at the end of September. Since then, five have resigned. No allegations of wrongdoing, no one claiming that these employees weren’t doing a good job. The firings were political cover for Governor Quinn in a tough election, pure and simple. And it won’t be allowed to stand. The 50 Local 916 members at IDOT who were unfairly terminated by our soon-to-beex-governor are still working and are expected to stay on the job until our lawsuit on their behalf is settled or won. On November 12, the presiding judge ordered the state to turn over the documents the union requested last August, documents needed to determine whether the firings were illegal, as we suspect. Now our attorneys will finish preparing the case and we’ll see some progress on this after the first of the year. Fed Ex Organizing It hasn’t stretched this far west yet, but it’s coming and eventually will benefit over-the road drivers and local cartage drivers at the largest non-union freight operation in the nation – Fed Ex Freight. Teamsters Locals out east have been signing up Fed Ex drivers at a rapid pace this fall, drivers fed up with inconsistent policies and rules and, more recently, vicious anti-union campaigns to stop the organizing. The workers’ own campaigns to join the union are succeeding and also spreading to Con-Way Freight, another company down south. We look forward to the opportunity to speak with these Fed Ex employees as to the benefits of belonging to a union. When the movement gets this far west, and we believe it will, we will respond to a request for organizing and Local 916 will welcome the approximately 100 Fed Ex drivers headquartered in Lincoln and Riverton. Gary Bertolino Sincere condolences go out to the family of Gary Bertolino, division representative, Pro-Tech Div. 3, IDOT, and longtime Teamster, who passed away following a short but brave battle with cancer on October 23. Gary was only 49 years old. He leaves his wife and three children, all in college, as well as countless friends and Teamster brothers and sisters. Scholarships This never gets old. Congratulations to all the children, step-children, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and spouses of Local 916 members who are this year’s recipients of Local 916 college scholarships. These young people represent some ambitious dreams and a better future, and all of us should be exceedingly proud to do our part to help them. Happy Holidays! I wish all of you and your families a joyous and peaceful holiday season. On behalf of the Local 916 Executive Board, agents and staff, here’s to a happy and prosperous New Year! Until next time,