To All Members employed by the State of Illinois working under the
Downstate Agreement

To give you an update on contract negotiations, as of the last day of
negotiations (July 27, 2023), we have finished our non-economics portion.
There were a lot of proposals put forth by our Membership, which were all
addressed, as well as the state having several proposals. The bargaining team
for the Members did an outstanding job during these non-economic
negotiations and stood strong on our concerns that were delivered across the
table. At the conclusion of the July 27, 2023, meeting, we delivered to the State
our economic proposals given to the Bargaining Committee by the
Membership. Just to let the Members know, each Teamster Local Union that
has Members working under this Agreement has a representative at the table.
There are an additional two Bargaining Unit Members at the table.

We will be going back to the negotiation table on August 31, 2023, and
September 1, 2023, where the State will have a response to our economic
proposals. The Bargaining Committee needs to know that our Members have
our backs as we proceed during these negotiations! You, our Members, need
to know that the Union Bargaining Committee will stand strong on your
economic proposals!

Gregory A. Wheet
Chairman, Downstate Negotiation Committee
President, Teamsters Local 627