Quinn for Illinois

CHICAGO - In a rousing start to the Labor Day weekend, Teamsters Joint Council 25 today announced its endorsement of Governor Pat Quinn, praising his support of working men and women throughout Illinois and urging his re-election in 2010.

 

"Throughout my career in public service, I have stood up for everyday men and women who work hard to provide for their families and put food on the table," Quinn said at a news conference at Teamster City in Chicago. "During these tough economic times, we need to pull together to put Illinois back to work. I am honored to have the Teamsters' support, today and as we move forward."

 

"As an advocate of Illinois labor, Governor Quinn has the experience of fighting for working families and the support of the Teamsters to continue the fight into a full term," said John T. Coli, President of Joint Council 25. "Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 men and women statewide who deserve the deference and protection our governor has shown he can deliver."

 

In his remarks to the assembled union members, Governor Quinn - a former member of Teamsters Local 786 - commended the Teamsters for their effective, powerful support of his $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, Illinois' first statewide capital construction effort in more than a decade.

 

"Thanks in no small part to Illinois' Teamsters, we were able to pass and sign into law this critically important capital program," Quinn said. "As we celebrate this Labor Day holiday, Illinois Jobs Now! is putting our state back on the road to economic recovery."

 

Over the next six years, Illinois Jobs Now! is expected to create and retain more than 439,000 jobs, helping to revive Illinois' ailing economy.

 

In addition to his successful passage of Illinois Jobs Now!, Governor Quinn has signed a number of  bills supported by the Teamsters,  including:

 

• An amendment to the Labor Relations Act to expedite contracts for public employees;

 

• A Teamster initiative requiring responsible bidding on school bus contracts; and

 

• A recent bill establishing the state's first Teamster specialty license plate.

 

Governor Quinn has long been a strong supporter of Helmets to Hardhats, an organized labor initiative to help returning military men and women transition into good jobs when they come home. This year, Governor Quinn served as a keynote speaker for a Teamsters Helmets to Hardhats program.

 

As Lt. Governor, Quinn gave public support to members of Teamsters Local 727 when contract negotiations stalled with Service Corporation International.  Since becoming Governor in January, Quinn has sent a letter of support for Teamsters Local 786 in its negotiations with Wilbur Vault Company.

 

An affiliate of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Joint Council 25 represents 22 local unions throughout Illinois.