Teamsters #243 Celebrates Organizing Success At Chipotle Mexican Grille

Historic Victory Showcases the Power of Teamwork Between Local Unions and Joint Council #43

Workers at a Chipotle Mexican Grill in Lansing, Michigan, voted overwhelmingly on August 25th to join International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 243, making it the first of the restaurant chain’s 3,000 locations to organize.

In addition to the security of a powerful Teamster contract, workers are forming a union to improve their work schedules, increase wages, and gain the respect from management that they’ve rightfully earned.

"The Teamsters Union is home to 1.2 million workers, and all of us are fighting for our brothers and sisters at Chipotle to get the rights and workplace protections they deserve,” IBT General President Sean M. O’Brien declared. “Now is the time for working people in this country to take back what’s theirs. No matter your industry, no matter your age or how intimidating your employer may seem, you too can protect your labor with a union. The revitalization of labor is really just beginning.”

“Chipotle pulled in revenue of $7.5 billion last year, and just as we’re seeing workers of all ages and backgrounds across the country take on these corporate giants, it’s so inspiring to see Chipotle workers stand up and demand more from a company that can clearly afford it,” said Scott Quenneville, President of Local 243. “The Teamsters have these workers’ backs. They’re going to have a union they can be proud of and that knows how to get things done.” 

President Quenneville thanked Teamsters Joint Council #43 President Greg Nowak and JC #43 Organizing Director TJ Kitchen, for their support and assistance in helping bring the strength and benefits of the Union to this newly-organized group of Chipotle Teamsters.

“Teamwork is the crucial factor when it comes to fighting, and winning, improved wages, benefits and working conditions,” Quenneville said.  “Joint Council #43 Organizing Director TJ Kitchen was a valuable addition to Local 243’s Chipotle team.  Thanks to TJ’s hard work, Local 243 organized the first of Chipotle’s 3,000 restaurants and the campaign has only just begun.  Our new Chipotle members called the Teamsters seeking help to better their jobs, and  a Local 243 is committed to working with these new Teamsters to provide the workplace leadership and strength they deserve.”

Michigan Teamsters Honor U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow For Her Vision and Leadership In Saving Teamster Pensions

“It was an uphill battle, no doubt. If we hadn’t stayed united, we wouldn’t have got this.  This happened because of you, your families and your hard work.”

— Michigan Teamsters Joint Council #43 President Greg Nowak

All Democrats Support the Teamsters Union’s Important 20-Year Battle To Save Pensions; All Republicans Vote NO To Protect Pensions

If you are one of the tens of thousands of Michigan workers out of work because of the Coronavirus, make sure you apply for Unemployment Benefits.

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