The former members of Local 279 voted by a majority to merge with Local 916 effective January 1, 2017. Since then, Local 916 has welcomed approximately 600 new members in a variety of trades in both public and private sectors throughout east central Illinois including Macon, Piatt, DeWitt, Christian, Moultrie, and Shelby counties. “Merging with Local 916 was the best decision for the members of Local 279. As a Local that represents workers from freight drivers to paramedics, we will benefit by combining resources with Local 916 to fight for better con- tracts and workplace representation,” said former Local 279 president Jerrime Hiser. Teamsters Local 916 proudly represents over 4,000 hardworking men and women throughout the State of Illinois in the private and public sectors.