Workers affiliated with Local 705 of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters began a strike last Monday at a Mauser Packaging Solutions plant in Chicago, specializing in the reconditioning of steel drums. According to Colin McCullough, a spokesperson for the union, the action has spread this week to the company’s facilities in Los Angeles and Minnesota, although employees there are not officially on strike, but have decided not to go to work in solidarity with their colleagues in Chicago, respecting the picket line.
The strikers are demanding wage increases, broader benefits, and safer working conditions. The union states that Mauser has not offered a fair contractual proposal. “We don’t want to be on strike, but the company left us no alternative”, said Leon Garrett, a warehouse worker and member of Local 705, in a statement.
For her part, Kimberly Braam, director of communications for Mauser, indicated via email that the strike was called without prior notice, affecting 120 workers. According to the company, this situation is impacting essential services and the economic stability of the employees’ families. Even so, they assured that they remain committed to reaching an agreement that is fair and guarantees the long-term sustainability of their operations.
