(DEKALB, ILLINOIS) - A group of 40 Drivers and Warehouse Workers employed at K&M Tire in Dekalb, Illinois have voted to Unionize with Teamsters Local 330.

K&M Workers reached out to Local 330 in August about forming a Union to win fair wages and better health care, Teamster Officials said.

Local 330 and the International Union’s Organizing Department then worked to educate Workers about the Union and to generate more interest.

“I know from experience that being in a Union makes life better,” K&M Driver Eric Blackwood said. “I am excited to work under a contract with wages and benefits that allow me to live well and build a stable future.”

K&M deployed multiple Union Busters to disrupt Workers from exercising their rights and pursuit of a fair contract, the Teamsters said.

In addition to the usual tactics of Captive Audience Meetings and disseminating Anti-Labor propaganda, K&M Union Busters rode along with Drivers as they made deliveries on designated routes.

Local 330 President Dominic Romanazzi said: “The heart and tenacity of these Workers to defeat such an ugly Anti-Union Campaign by K&M speaks volumes about their need for a Collective Bargaining Agreement that holds this company accountable.  We commend these Workers for their diligence and we look forward to negotiating a strong contract on their behalf.”

Teamsters Central Region Organizing Coordinator Raul Alfaro said: “K&M’s Anti-Union tactics are just the latest example of employers cracking down on Workers fighting for a seat at the negotiating table.  The Teamsters will continue supporting Workers to overcome aggressive propaganda campaigns the way these K&M Drivers did, especially when Union Busters make false statements about our Union.”

Teamsters Local 330 represents Public- and Private-Sector Workers throughout the State of Illinois, including industries such as waste, construction, warehouse, beverage and more.

To Directly Access This Organizing Labor News Story, Go To: K&M Tire Workers Join Teamsters Local 330 - International Brotherhood of Teamsters