By Gina Alvarez, Local 743 Steward, CSPF Office, Chicago

There are 335 Teamsters who work at the Central States Funds office, and we had not had a steward’s election for over four years. A group of us contacted Local 743 regarding holding elections, and as usual there was no response.

We started a petition to hold an election for new stewards. When we were done, more than two-thirds of the membership had signed up to ask for a new election.

I contacted TDU, the IBT and other individuals knowledgeable of the process (in the area) for help in determining how we should force Local 743 to respond to our requests. It felt as if Local 743 was impeding or blocking the election.

In the end, we prevailed thanks to the efforts of many Central States Teamsters who helped achieve our goal.

We got a new election, and I was elected shop steward along with three other members.

I take my election as union steward very seriously and will do my best to fairly represent every member of Local 743 at Central States.

I finally feel that we can make a difference in steward leadership here at the Funds as well as have a positive impact on Local 743.