Teamsters Warn Cubs Fans: Madison Dearborn Partners Wants Chicago to Lose

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Sep 20, 2011, 07:00 ET

Madison Dearborn Partners Denies Chicago VWR Workers Good Working Conditions

CHICAGO, Sept. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Teamsters distributed thousands of free player rosters to fans outside Wrigley Field today, warning that Madison Dearborn Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm, wants Chicago to lose.

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Teamsters alerted fans that Madison Dearborn's founder and managing partner, John Canning, is part owner of division rival Milwaukee Brewers. He's hedged his bet, looking to profit off a Chicago loss.

In addition, Madison Dearborn has denied respect and decent working conditions to Chicago-area VWR International workers represented by the Teamsters Union, refusing to reach an agreement with them after more than five years of negotiations.

"Madison Dearborn Partners prides itself on its deep Chicago roots," said John Coli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents workers at the Madison Dearborn-owned laboratory supply company. "But the company has turned its back on Chicago-area workers, just as it has on our own home team. It's a disgrace."

"Nothing is sacred when it comes to making money for Madison Dearborn Partners," said Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa. "Madison Dearborn doesn't care about Chicago's home team or Chicago-area working families."

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters