If you follow the news about Illinois’ dire financial straits, you might get the impression that the entire state and all its operations have ground to a halt. That’s not the case. Thousands of hard working state employees continue to do their jobs, despite threats to their healthcare and pensions, and disparaging remarks about their worth. The private sector is fighting back from the recession and doing what it takes to keep employees on the job and keep the economy going. At Local 916, we continue to work on your behalf. Take a look at page 12 and the list of contracts negotiated and settled in the last few months. The employees covered by these contracts are making progress in the area of salaries, benefits and working conditions, despite the world we live in these days. Now, more than ever. Union Strong. Get Ready for Election Season We get a reprieve until about Labor Day, then the onslaught of campaign TV and radio ads will proceed to drown out just about every other sound between now and November. Don’t let the circus overshadow the substance this fall, though. There is a lot at stake for working men and women in this presidential election. The International has formally endorsed President Obama and, as part of the leadership, we stand behind them. We are urging our membership to look at the records of both, to think hard about what’s in the best interest of labor, and then vote accordingly. In the Know–Hostess Negotiations We know how much is at stake for our members whose livelihoods are affected by the future of Hostess and Interstate Brands. And there is nothing more unnerving than not knowing where negotiations stand. That’s why the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the IBT Locals are maintaining websites dedicated to keeping workers up to speed. Our goal is your goal – preserve pensions and minimize concessions, while helping the company avoid insolvency. They are in serious trouble, and it’s going to take a joint effort and shared sacrifice to put this company, and the jobs at stake, on the road to recovery. Enjoy the rest of your summer! Until next time,