DAY 18: LOCAL 150 STRIKE CONTINUES WITH
MAJOR DISRUPTIONS AT AMERICA’S LARGEST INLAND
CONTAINER PORT IN CHICAGO
Iroquois Landing Faces Severe Impact from Strike as Operations are Hindered Due to Slowdowns in CN Train Schedule and a Lag in Cargo Handling
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150, AFL-CIO, a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa whose members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, continues its strike against QSL America, Inc., reaching its 18th day. The strike, driven by four unfair labor practice (ULP) charges, underscores significant grievances about the company's treatment of its workforce. Local 150 condemns QSL America, Inc. for hiring out-of-state workers from cities such as Ogdensburg, NY, Houston, TX, and New Orleans, LA, claiming this undermines the local workforce and economy.
Chicago’s inland container port is now operating at a drastically reduced capacity, with CN trains running only two days a week, down from its customary five. Vessels are facing major delays in unloading and loading by up to four days, significantly impacting international shipments. Semi-trucks entering and leaving the port have reported substantial lags in cargo loading.
The QSL America workers on the picket line are courageously advocating for their livelihoods, creating a swell of support across various unions. This solidarity is evident as other union workers, including CN Railroad employees, choose to stand with them by not crossing the picket line. When a CN train reaches the intersection on 95th Street, CN Railroad workers disembark, requiring management to take over, further underscoring their commitment to this cause. This united front extends to other union members, like those from UPS and others, who also join in this show of support.
“Local 150, each day, is intensifying its efforts against QSL America. We won’t stop until the hardworking American men and women standing day after day on the picket get the justice they deserve,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “When the country’s largest inland container port fails to operate normally, it creates ripples across the entire logistics network, impacting both businesses and consumers. The resolution of the strike not only addresses immediate charges against QSL, but also sets a precedent for equitable labor practices within the industry and across borders.”
The disruptions not only hinder the direct flow of goods, but also create a cascading effect, impacting industries reliant on timely shipments. The ongoing strike at Iroquois Landing is a stark reminder of the critical role that the labor force plays in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of supply chains. As Local 150 continues its stand, the importance of QSL America addressing the ULP charges becomes ever more crucial, not just for the parties involved, but for the broader economic ecosystem that depends on the seamless movement of goods.
Background on the Strike
Local 150 is on strike against QSL America, Inc. for unfair labor practice (ULP) charges highlighting serious grievances regarding the company's treatment of its workforce. Local 150 emphasizes the brazen contrast between QSL’s practices at its homebase and its stance in the United States, particularly in Chicago.
The strike in Chicago has approximately port workers from QSL America, Inc. walking the picket lines and is ongoing as employees demand fair treatment without fear of retaliation. Local 150 has three pickets at QSL sites in Chicago, as well as several bannering locations throughout the Chicagoland.
Workers at QSL America, Inc. sites report unsafe machinery, inadequate training, excessive electronic surveillance, and a culture of intimidation that discourages raising safety concerns. These issues are exacerbated by the absence of a unionized workforce advocating for necessary changes.
Similar issues related to safety have been making news headlines at QSL sites in other cities. At the beginning of May, WDSU News Channel 6 and other local stations in New Orleans reported on the disappearance of dock worker Darius Clement, who went missing on April 22 while working at First Street Wharf, also known as QSL, a cargo handling company located on the river. Dock workers nationwide are profoundly unsettled by the apparent indifference towards the tragic loss of Darius Clement. This incident highlights unsafe working conditions and raises concerns about the safety of dock workers.
IUOE Local 150 remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting worker rights and promoting safe, equitable labor practices. The union continues to explore all legal avenues to hold QSL America, Inc. accountable and secure justice for the QSL America, Inc. workers.
Local 150 will continue to provide updates as the situation develops, reaffirming its dedication to achieving a resolution that honors the dignity and rights of all workers.
To read the full details regarding the Local 150 strike, visit our website at Local150.org.
ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.
Chicago’s inland container port is now operating at a drastically reduced capacity, with CN trains running only two days a week, down from its customary five. Vessels are facing major delays in unloading and loading by up to four days, significantly impacting international shipments. Semi-trucks entering and leaving the port have reported substantial lags in cargo loading.
The QSL America workers on the picket line are courageously advocating for their livelihoods, creating a swell of support across various unions. This solidarity is evident as other union workers, including CN Railroad employees, choose to stand with them by not crossing the picket line. When a CN train reaches the intersection on 95th Street, CN Railroad workers disembark, requiring management to take over, further underscoring their commitment to this cause. This united front extends to other union members, like those from UPS and others, who also join in this show of support.
“Local 150, each day, is intensifying its efforts against QSL America. We won’t stop until the hardworking American men and women standing day after day on the picket get the justice they deserve,” said Kristine Kavanagh, Communications Director for IUOE Local 150. “When the country’s largest inland container port fails to operate normally, it creates ripples across the entire logistics network, impacting both businesses and consumers. The resolution of the strike not only addresses immediate charges against QSL, but also sets a precedent for equitable labor practices within the industry and across borders.”
The disruptions not only hinder the direct flow of goods, but also create a cascading effect, impacting industries reliant on timely shipments. The ongoing strike at Iroquois Landing is a stark reminder of the critical role that the labor force plays in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of supply chains. As Local 150 continues its stand, the importance of QSL America addressing the ULP charges becomes ever more crucial, not just for the parties involved, but for the broader economic ecosystem that depends on the seamless movement of goods.
Background on the Strike
Local 150 is on strike against QSL America, Inc. for unfair labor practice (ULP) charges highlighting serious grievances regarding the company's treatment of its workforce. Local 150 emphasizes the brazen contrast between QSL’s practices at its homebase and its stance in the United States, particularly in Chicago.
- The first ULP charge filed on May 22nd highlights a handbook violation banning employees from using cameras on QSL property, breaching the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). The National Labor Relations Act allows employees to use cameras while on QSL property for mutual aid and protection such as documenting unsafe conditions or unfair labor practices.
- Three more ULP charges were filed on May 23rd due to the wrongful termination of employees who were exercising their right to protest the company's unfair labor practice.
- Workers at QSL America are engaging in a strike against unfair labor practices, protesting the company's unjust labor policies and the retaliatory measures taken against employees for exercising their rights.
The strike in Chicago has approximately port workers from QSL America, Inc. walking the picket lines and is ongoing as employees demand fair treatment without fear of retaliation. Local 150 has three pickets at QSL sites in Chicago, as well as several bannering locations throughout the Chicagoland.
Workers at QSL America, Inc. sites report unsafe machinery, inadequate training, excessive electronic surveillance, and a culture of intimidation that discourages raising safety concerns. These issues are exacerbated by the absence of a unionized workforce advocating for necessary changes.
Similar issues related to safety have been making news headlines at QSL sites in other cities. At the beginning of May, WDSU News Channel 6 and other local stations in New Orleans reported on the disappearance of dock worker Darius Clement, who went missing on April 22 while working at First Street Wharf, also known as QSL, a cargo handling company located on the river. Dock workers nationwide are profoundly unsettled by the apparent indifference towards the tragic loss of Darius Clement. This incident highlights unsafe working conditions and raises concerns about the safety of dock workers.
IUOE Local 150 remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting worker rights and promoting safe, equitable labor practices. The union continues to explore all legal avenues to hold QSL America, Inc. accountable and secure justice for the QSL America, Inc. workers.
Local 150 will continue to provide updates as the situation develops, reaffirming its dedication to achieving a resolution that honors the dignity and rights of all workers.
To read the full details regarding the Local 150 strike, visit our website at Local150.org.
ABOUT THE IUOE LOCAL 150: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150 is a labor union representing over 24,000 working men and women in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa. Local 150 members operate and maintain heavy equipment in a variety of industries, which include heavy highway and building construction, heavy equipment rental and repair shops, construction material production, concrete pumping, hoisting, steel mill service, slag processing, pits and quarries, landfills, testing and drilling, pipeline, landscaping, public works, and more. In addition to securing work for its union members, Local 150 fights on behalf of all working men and women to ensure fair wages and equal pay. Most recently, Local 150 championed The Worker’s Rights Amendment in 2022, ensuring constitutional protection for all Illinois workers to join a union.