After talks had apparently broken off, the Chicagoland Refuse Haulers Association reconsidered its position and submitted a contract proposal that will be put before Teamster waste and refuse haulers in order to end the strike now in its eighth day. Local 731 and Local 301 represent approximately 3,300 members who are employed at member companies of the association.

If ratified by the members in a secret ballot vote, the contract will take effect immediately and Teamsters could return to work as early as tonight.

"This proposal is worthy of consideration by our membership who will decide through a democratic process," said Bill Woldman, Local 731 President.

Terms of the offer will not be disclosed prior to the ratification vote.

Local 731 will conduct its vote on the proposal between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Local 731 union hall located at 1000 Burr Ridge Parkway in Burr Ridge, Illinois.

Teamsters Local 731 and Local 301 have represented refuse and waste haulers throughout the Chicagoland area for more than 70 years. This was the first work stoppage ever.