Ramon Williams, president of Teamsters Local 700, told the Chicago Board of Education that 46 delivery drivers and helpers who work for Open Kitchens — a CPS contractor that delivers food to schools — voted to form a union and have since faced layoffs and legal challenges to certification.
Williams said the company filed objections with the National Labor Relations Board that will delay certification and that Open Kitchens subsequently laid off workers and replaced some with temporary workers, actions he described as unlawful union‑busting. He asked the Board to demand that Open Kitchens withdraw its objections, reinstate laid‑off employees, bargain in good faith with Teamsters Local 703 (the organizing affiliate) and comply with federal and state labor laws.
Williams noted that many Board members had previously signed a letter expressing concern about alleged illegal conduct by Open Kitchens; he asked the district to use its contracting leverage to insist the vendor remedy the situation. He said the union was prepared to assist the board in its review.
Board members did not record a vote on contractor oversight at the meeting; the matter was raised in public participation for staff and legal review.
Why it matters: Vendors that supply school services operate under CPS contracts; complaints about unlawful labor practices at contractors raise procurement, contract compliance and reputational issues for the district. Teamsters asked the board to use contract leverage to protect workers and uphold CPS’s stated preference for responsible bidders.