Bakery Drivers Local 734

Introduction / Overview

Welcome to an in-depth look at Bakery Drivers Local 734, a historically significant labor organization deeply rooted in the economic landscape of Chicago and the greater Illinois region. While the name suggests a direct connection to the baking world, this entity functions primarily as a Teamsters local union, representing and advocating for the economic, moral, and social advancement of its members. Since its formation, the organization has played a critical role in supporting the professionals who ensure that fresh bakery products make their way from production facilities to tables and retailers across the state. This is not a retail bakery offering loaves and pastries directly to the public; rather, it is a key player in the infrastructure of the local bakery industry, focusing on the welfare and rights of the drivers and workers who make daily operations possible. For anyone in Illinois whose livelihood is connected to the transport or distribution of bakery goods, or for those interested in the support systems underpinning the industry, Local 734 represents a vital resource and advocate. The commitment of Local 734 is clearly evidenced in the comprehensive support it offers, from negotiating contracts to providing robust health and welfare benefits.

As a non-retail entity, the 'Bakery' type designation in this context refers to the industry sector this specific Teamsters local serves—the bakers, cracker, pie, and yeast drivers and miscellaneous workers—rather than indicating a consumer-facing storefront. This distinction is crucial for local users seeking information. Their work has a direct, albeit behind-the-scenes, impact on the availability and quality of bakery products enjoyed by families throughout Illinois every day. The organization’s long-standing presence in the region underscores its importance and dedication to its membership and the broader industry.

Location and Accessibility

Bakery Drivers Local 734 maintains its central office in a location that is convenient for its membership in the Chicago area. The address is 6643 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631, USA. Situated in the heart of Cook County, this location provides a stable and easily identifiable point of contact for union members, employers, and related service providers across the region. The proximity to major thoroughfares in the city's northwest side makes it relatively accessible for those traveling from different parts of the greater Chicago metropolitan area, which is essential for a labor organization whose members work across a wide geographic footprint.

Accessibility is a key consideration for any modern organization, and the provided information indicates a commitment to accommodating all visitors. The facility is noted to have a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that members, retirees, and other visitors with mobility challenges can enter the premises comfortably and securely. This feature aligns with the organization's mission of supporting the welfare of all its current and former members. Prospective visitors are encouraged to confirm the best transit options for their specific needs when planning a visit to the North Northwest Highway location.

Services Offered

Bakery Drivers Local 734, as an affiliated local of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), offers a comprehensive suite of services focused on the economic, moral, and social advancement of its members in the bakery, cracker, pie, and yeast industries. These services are primarily delivered through the union itself and its related welfare and pension funds. Key services include:

• Collective Bargaining and Contract Negotiation: Representing members in negotiations with employers (such as various baking companies in the region) to secure favorable wages, working conditions, and job protections.
• Grievance Procedure and Representation: Providing expert representation and advocacy for members in disputes with employers to ensure contract provisions are upheld and workplace rights are protected.
• Health and Welfare Benefits: Offering a comprehensive benefits package through the Local 734 Welfare Fund, which typically includes health care, dental, and vision coverage for eligible participants and their dependents.
• Pension Fund Management: Administering a Pension Fund to help members build secure retirement savings, including benefits for retirees and potentially surviving spouses.
• Membership Organization and Advocacy: Working to organize all eligible workers in the relevant sectors to strengthen their collective voice and improve their overall condition and status within the industry.
• Retiree Benefit Plans: Managing specialized benefit plans for retired members, such as the Retiree Comprehensive Plan, which may offer medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits under specific eligibility requirements.
• Financial Management of Funds: Overseeing the responsible management and investment of the Welfare and Pension Funds to ensure long-term stability and benefit availability for participants.

Features / Highlights

The organization stands out within the Illinois labor landscape for several key features, which highlight its value to the local community and its members:

• Historical Significance: As a Teamsters Local, Local 734 has a long-standing history, providing representation to bakery and bakery-related drivers and workers in Chicago for decades, cementing its status as a pillar of the local labor movement.
• Comprehensive Benefit Structure: A major highlight is the dedication to member welfare through its Health and Welfare Fund, which is designed to provide substantial medical, dental, and vision benefits, demonstrating a commitment beyond basic wages.
• Focus on Retirement Security: The presence of a dedicated Pension Fund (Local 734 Pension Fund) emphasizes the organization’s focus on the long-term financial security and dignity of its members and their families in retirement.
• Industry Specialization: The union's specific focus on the bakery, cracker, pie, and yeast drivers and miscellaneous workers allows for specialized expertise in the challenges and needs unique to this segment of the transportation and food production industry.
• Local Roots: The organization is centrally located in Chicago, IL, with a direct and focused mission to serve the workers and businesses within Illinois, making it a truly local asset.
• Accessibility Commitment: The provision of a Wheelchair accessible entrance ensures the organization is welcoming and compliant with accessibility needs, reflecting an inclusive approach to member service.

Contact Information

For individuals, employers, and service providers looking to reach Bakery Drivers Local 734, the primary contact details are as follows:

Address: 6643 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631, USA

Phone: (773) 594-2810

Mobile Phone: +1 773-594-2810

It is always recommended to use the main phone number for initial inquiries, whether regarding union membership, contract negotiations, or questions related to the Health and Welfare or Pension Funds.

What is worth choosing

For Illinois residents working in or affiliated with the transportation and distribution side of the bakery industry, choosing to be involved with or support an entity like Bakery Drivers Local 734 is a decision centered on stability, advocacy, and comprehensive support. What is worth choosing about Local 734 is its proven, sustained track record of advancing the economic well-being of its members. Unlike simply having a job, membership in a powerful local union means having a collective voice at the negotiating table, translating directly into better wages, more secure work rules, and, critically, access to a robust system of benefits through the Welfare and Pension Funds.

This organization is a local champion for fair labor practices, ensuring the hardworking individuals who deliver essential food products are treated with respect and dignity. For those seeking career stability in an often-volatile industry, the benefits package—encompassing medical, dental, vision, and retirement security—offers a level of peace of mind that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Furthermore, the specialized nature of the local, focusing exclusively on the bakery delivery sector, means its leadership possesses deep, relevant expertise to navigate the specific challenges of that industry. In short, Local 734 provides a foundation of security and advocacy for its members, making it an invaluable part of the labor and business ecosystem in Illinois. Supporting or joining this organization is an investment in a collective future marked by fairness and economic stability for the region's essential transportation workers.

Bakery Drivers Local 734

6643 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631, USA