Chicago Teamsters Link With Chinese Labor Federation for Trade Union Partnership

Coli: Teamsters in Illinois Take Major Step Towards Global Cooperation

CHICAGO, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Chinese President Hu Jintao makes a rare visit to Chicago on Thursday, Teamsters Joint Council 25 has already met and signed an official memorandum of exchange and cooperation with the Shangdong Provincial Federation of Trade Unions of China (SPFTU).

The Teamsters, including Joint Council 25 President John T. Coli, welcomed five delegates from the SPFTU to Chicago in September 2010 to sign the agreement in an effort to promote more cooperation between organized labor in China and the United States.

"President Jintao's visit to Chicago this week is a reminder that real opportunities exist to improve communication and understanding between our nations," said Coli. "Teamsters in Illinois have taken a major step towards global cooperation to work with a labor movement that brings its own ideas and challenges to the table. It's about time we recognize the progress that can be made for workers in America and around the world."

Representatives from Joint Council 25 and the SPFTU will begin making biennial visits between China and the United States as part of the agreement. The delegations will share views and common concerns on a variety of labor issues, including the benefits of collective bargaining and protection for workers' rights. The unions expect to share information on organizing and management techniques, and will be looking for new opportunities to support and communicate with workers.

"Joint Council 25 and the SPFTU will examine the obstacles all workers face in the fight to organize and negotiate contracts with their employers," said Coli. "Every day, the Teamsters negotiate powerful contracts and bargain for more rights and benefits for our members. In this same vein, we have to find a way to ensure representation exists for the millions of workers beyond our borders who deserve these same protections.

"We can do neither until we start communicating with each other."

In September, members of Joint Council 25's Executive Board met with Wang Lihua, Vice-Chairwoman of the SPFTU, and Li Yueliang, First Vice-Chairman of the Yantai City Federation of Trade Unions, among other Chinese labor officials.

Shangdong is China's second-most populous province, home to approximately 95 million people. Agriculture, mining and petroleum industries are large components of the regional economy, although Shangdong's industrial production surpasses most other Chinese cities. The province produces some of the most well-known Chinese brand names, including Tsingtao beer and Haier and Hisense electronics and appliances.

A memorandum of understanding similar to Joint Council 25's agreement was signed in August 2009 between Change to Win and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and Indiana.

SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 25