(YPSILANTI, Mich.) – Nearly 200 printing and production workers represented by Teamsters Local 337 in Ypsilanti, Mich., have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a strong new contract.After years of horrible representation by the sham Printing Packaging and Production Workers Union (PPPWU), the group unionized with the Teamsters in July.

“If I could say one thing to someone thinking of leaving the PPPWU for the Teamsters, it’d be this: do it,” said Jeremy Helton, a 10-year maintenance technician and steward for Local 337. “The PPPWU will try to deceive you into thinking you don’t deserve better. Don’t believe their lies. If you join the Teamsters, you will have a real voice on the job and representation in the workplace. With the Teamsters behind us, we got a contract that not only fixed the things the PPPWU screwed up but also truly reflected our priorities. You can do the same.”

Backed by a credible strike threat and high rank-and-file engagement, the workers secured record raises, protections against forced overtime, and major improvements to retirement benefits.

“These new Teamsters went through a lot just to join our ranks. During the organizing process, we saw their strength and determination firsthand, so it was no surprise to see how engaged they were throughout bargaining,” said Todd Lince, President of Local 337. “The gains these workers secured are a testament to a lot of hard work. We are beyond proud to have them as part of the Local 337 family.”