More than 100 workers at Mauser Packaging Solutions in Chicago are continuing their monthslong strike after rejecting the global packaging company’s latest union contract offer.
Members of the Teamsters Local 705 unanimously voted 120-0 Wednesday against accepting Mauser’s offer. Union members told the Oak Brook-based company they are willing to continue negotiating this weekend and next week, said Nicolas Coronado, chief negotiator for the Teamsters Local 705.
Striking workers at the Mauser plant in Little Village are demanding livable wages, safe work conditions, guaranteed break times and measures to prevent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from entering the workplace without a judicial warrant.
“We have maintained that we are eager to get back to work, but we need a fair and just contract prior to ending this strike,” Coronado said. “We are committed to bargaining over the weekends and late nights in order to get a deal.”
No Local 705 members have crossed the picket line, which started June 9, despite harassment and intimidation by Mauser, Coronado said.
On Wednesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke at a rally outside Mauser’s plant at 3201 S. Millard Ave. Workers at the facility primarily recondition metal barrels for transporting chemicals.
“I know that as difficult as this work is and this sacrifice is, you’re doing it because you believe in your right to have livable wages and protection, especially at a time in which we have a federal government coming after workers, immigrants, Brown and Black people. This union and this strike is leading the way to ensure that this country knows that workers run this country,” Johnson said.
“There have to be protections to ensure that ICE agents do not get to run amok — to intimidate, create fear and come in and disrupt and destabilize our communities and workplaces, whether you are at work, school, church or the barbershop. We will not be intimidated by ICE agents that are under control of a dictator,” Johnson said. “This is not only a union town but a welcoming city, and this company has to ensure that the protections of these workers are guaranteed.”
Chicago’s immigrant communities and advocates have been on high alert since June, when President Donald Trump and senior administration officials threatened to expand deportations in Democrat-led cities. In Illinois, state and local laws prohibit local entities from entering into contracts with the federal government to detain immigrants.
During contract negotiations, Mauser did not want to include language that would prevent ICE or similar agencies from coming onto the plant’s property, according to Coronado.
“I explained that the company has the right to turn away ICE agents, who commonly do not have judicial warrants,” he said. “Despite my response, the company has continued to maintain their position.”
Mauser did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
This summer, the company closed a subsidiary’s Seattle facility after 20 workers went on strike for three months and failed to reach a contract agreement, according to the Teamsters 117 in Washington.
Mauser manufactures bulk containers, metal drums, cans and bottles. It has more than 11,000 employees and 170 sites around the world.
Teamsters Local 705 represents more than 17,000 workers in the Chicago area.