About Local 916

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Local 916 Mission Statement

Adding stability to the economy of the community by safeguarding the livelihoods of Local 916's union members through collective bargaining and protecting each member’s right to fair wages, good working conditions and dignity and respect in the workplace.

History of Local 916 - 1943 through 1956

February 16, 1943:

Teamsters Local 916 was originally chartered in Collinsville, IL by seven men with a vision - John Laquet, Pete Poletti, Clay Overstreet, Earl Henderson, Elmer Railley, William Brown and Lester Kueker.

The Local was named "General Teamsters, Warehousemen, Helpers, Milk Haulers & Dairy Workers."

First Executive Board (1943 – 1944):

• John Laquet, President
• William Koch, Vice President
• Raymond Knipp, Recording Secretary
• Clay Overstreet, Secretary/ Treasurer
• Joe Murphy, William Braun and Albert Kusterman were the 3 Trustees.
• Meetings were held at the American Legion Hall, 116 Vandalia, Collinsville, IL.
  

November 20, 1956:

A revised charter is issued after the merger of Local 532 in Springfield and Local 916 in Collinsville. Local 532 was chartered in 1925 and operational until the merger with Local 916. At the time of the merger, the president of Local 532 was George Strebel, Vice President was Jim Harris, and Secretary/Treasurer was Joe Mitchell.

A special meeting was held to vote to merge the local unions. A standing vote was taken at the Centennial Building in downtown Springfield, IL. The standing count was 500 in favor of the merger and 9 opposed.

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