US Foods Teamsters Overwhelmingly Ratify New Contract
(FISHERS, Ind.) – Following a credible strike threat, more than 200 drivers and warehouse workers at US Foods in Indiana, represented by Teamsters Local 135, have overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract is the direct result of members’ readiness to strike, which forced US Foods management to agree to a strong, comprehensive deal that delivers significantly higher wages, a defined benefit pension, protections against automation, and safer working conditions.
“This contract is the result of the militancy and unity of our members, and it will hold management accountable,” said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. “Our members held their ground, and they won a contract that raises standards and protects their future.”
The new agreement delivers a 26 percent wage increase, secures first-ever pension benefits for workers who were previously stuck with a company 401(k), expands health care coverage, establishes protections against unchecked automation, and creates enforceable load standards to improve safety and working conditions for drivers.
“We stood strong together and fought for what we believe in and what we deserve,” said Terrell Saunders, a warehouse worker and member of Local 135. “We secured the best agreement we have seen at US Foods that includes better wages, pension, and some of the strongest contract language we’ve ever had at this company. We are all proud to be Teamsters, and US Foods knows it.”
US Foods has a market capitalization of over $19 billion, making it one of the largest and most profitable food service distributors in the country. The Teamsters represent more than 5,500 US Foods workers nationwide. US Foods Teamsters represented by Local 135 deliver to customers across Indiana and into Louisville, supplying hundreds of local restaurants, major universities, and critical hospital systems.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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From the Shop Floor to a Lasting Legacy: Retired IP Robert Martinez Jr. Inducted Into Texas Labor Hall of Fame
Retired IAM Union International President Robert “Bob” Martinez Jr. has officially been inducted into the Texas AFL-CIO’s Labor Hall of Fame, honoring more than four decades of transformative leadership and service to working people in Texas, across the United States and Canada, and around the world. Watch retired IP Martinez’s acceptance speech here. A proud
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Teamsters Renew Demand For Passage Of Delivery Protection Act In New York City
(NEW YORK) – Amazon Teamsters and their allies gathered at New York City Hall today to call for passage of the Delivery Protection Act during its introduction for the 2026 City Council session.
The groundbreaking legislation, authored by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, would protect workers and communities by requiring last-mile delivery facilities in New York City to be licensed and directly employ their staff. Amazon utilizes a corrupt third-party model called the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program, which allows the company to deny liability and control workers without the financial or legal responsibilities of a direct employer.
“Amazon has pocketed billions off the backs of workers yet dares to claim that the people delivering their packages don’t work for them,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. “The Delivery Protection Act is desperately needed to end this trillion-dollar company’s exploitation of its workers in New York City. When the Teamsters and our union allies succeed here, we will take this fight to cities and localities across the country.”
“We’re confident that New York is going to be the first city in the country to get this done,” said Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16. “We’re in a new era of politics in the five boroughs — one where workers and their advocates are in the driver’s seat — and this bill embodies that spirit.”
The legislation has already secured majority support for a second time, including the support of Council Speaker Julie Menin, setting the stage for a hearing in the Workforce Protection Committee and a floor vote.
“Professional drivers like me power New York’s economy, but every day we have to deal with dangerous working conditions and an employer that acts like we don’t even work for them,” said Luc Rene, an Amazon driver at the DBK4 location in Queens. “The only way to stop Amazon’s abuse of us and the communities we serve is to pass the Delivery Protection Act.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at facebook.com/teamsters.
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Worker Wins: ‘We Now Have a Voice, Community and Collective Power’
Worker Wins: ‘We Now Have a Voice, Community and Collective Power’
Our latest roundup of worker wins includes numerous examples of working people organizing, bargaining and mobilizing for a better life.
Indianapolis Baristas Win Union and Powerful Contract: Nearly eight months after Quills Coffee baristas in Louisville, Kentucky, unanimously ratified their first contract, their counterparts at the chain’s location in Indianapolis have followed suit, joining Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ and securing exciting new workplace benefits. Quills’ workers in the Louisville area first joined SEIU during the summer of 2024, securing voluntary recognition from the company’s CEO who stated he was “grateful for the baristas and their positive approach to organizing.” Now that Indiana-based staff also have formed a union, they have access to a powerful contract that guarantees an $11.50 minimum hourly wage ($13.50 per hour for lead baristas), four weeks of paid family leave, fair scheduling, neutrality for any future union organizing at other Quills locations and more. “My coworkers are the most important reason I wanted to unionize,” said lead barista Fern Thompson. “As much as we enjoy making coffee, it’s about the connection and bond we have with each other, and I believe that all of my coworkers deserve a union. We’re proud and excited to set an example for other baristas in the city.”IRC Workers Ratify First Contract Covering Hundreds of Staff Nationwide: Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) members at 13 International Rescue Committee (IRC) offices around the country ratified their first collective bargaining agreement this week. This is a powerful win for the nearly 700 member-strong IRC Workers Unite (IRCWU) bargaining unit who have dedicated their careers to helping vulnerable people across the globe access health care, education and economic opportunities. “Winning our contract was an incredibly emotional experience,” said Jodi Camino, a school success caseworker in Atlanta. “Experiencing that win in community really reminded me that in addition to the contract articles that will make a really concrete difference in my financial security, working conditions and quality of life, our biggest win is we now have a voice, community and collective power.” “Through these contract wins, IRC workers are now on the path to earning what they deserve for their invaluable service to refugees, those living through war and all who believe in universal human dignity. This win is a testament to the organizing prowess and bargaining chops of the OPEIU members at IRC, and the wide-ranging gains unions can secure for nonprofit workers,” said Tyler Turner, OPEIU president.USW Secures New Agreement with Libbey Glass, Ending Strike: United Steelworkers (USW) Locals 59M and 700T members have ratified their new collective bargaining agreements with Libbey Glass in Toledo, Ohio. This victory officially ends the monthslong unfair labor practice strike against the company. Members of USW Locals 59M, 700T and 65T, along with IAM Union Local 1297, first walked off the job in August 2025 when management continued to demand concessions even after the bargaining units made major sacrifices in previous contracts to save Libbey Glass from bankruptcy. Workers stood strong and walked the picket line throughout a difficult winter, securing powerful wage increases and successfully fighting back against concession demands. “We took care of each other. We had donations from other locals. We had support from the international union. All of that got us through,” said Dave Nelson, president of Local 59M. “Our motto from day one was ‘one day longer, one day stronger.’” “We stuck together,” Local 700T President Joyce Marland said. “The members showed that they believe in each other.”Education Week Union Ratifies First Contract: Staff at Education Week—who are represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild (WBNG), The NewsGuild-CWA Local 32035—have overwhelmingly voted to ratify their first union contract. Newsroom workers at the nonprofit media organization first went public with their organizing effort in August 2024. Under the name Education Week Union, the wall-to-wall bargaining unit secured several critical wins in this agreement, including a brand-new minimum salary, yearly wage increases, more paid time off and more. “This agreement is the result of our members’ voices being heard and respected,” said Kelli Jaszcar, EdWeek’s front office administrator who now serves as unit secretary. “Through solidarity, transparency, and persistence, our members secured an agreement that honors our labor and proudly lays the groundwork for our future at EdWeek.”UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Volkswagen in Chattanooga: UAW members who work at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have officially reached a tentative agreement (TA) on their first union contract. These members first made history in 2024 when they became the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to join the UAW. And now, after a credible strike threat, they’ve proven what’s possible when workers band together. Highlights of the TA include 20% across-the-board wage increases, grievance rights, improved health care, better job security protections and more. “For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’” “This contract is proof that if you stand up and stick together, you can win a better life,” said Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department. “No matter where you live, or where you work, autoworkers deserve a union contract, whether at the Big Three or Volkswagen, from Detroit to Chattanooga. Volkswagen workers are showing the whole country what’s possible.”
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/12/2026 – 11:30
Tags:
Organizing
Black History Month Profiles: Da’Laine Simpson
Black History Month Profiles: Da’Laine Simpson
For Black History Month, we’re taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently actively making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today’s profile is Da’Laine Simpson of AFGE.
Da’Laine Simpson embodies leadership and community spirit as president of AFGE Local 2004, president of AFGE Council 169 and vice president of the Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council. As the founder and CEO of Bro2Go Inc., a nonprofit in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he is dedicated to uplifting ex-offenders and at-risk youth. Committed to service and advocacy, Simpson stands up for those who cannot, believing that the time for action is now.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/12/2026 – 10:22
Tags:
Black History Month
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IRC Workers Ratify First Contract Covering Hundreds of Staff Nationwide
Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IRC Workers Ratify First Contract Covering Hundreds of Staff Nationwide
Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) members at 13 International Rescue Committee (IRC) offices around the country ratified their first collective bargaining agreement this week.This is a powerful win for the nearly 700 member-strong IRC Workers Unite (IRCWU) bargaining unit who have dedicated their careers to helping vulnerable people across the globe access health care, education and economic opportunities.”Winning our contract was an incredibly emotional experience,” said Jodi Camino, a school success caseworker in Atlanta. “Experiencing that win in community really reminded me that in addition to the contract articles that will make a really concrete difference in my financial security, working conditions and quality of life, our biggest win is we now have a voice, community and collective power.”“Through these contract wins, IRC workers are now on the path to earning what they deserve for their invaluable service to refugees, those living through war and all who believe in universal human dignity. This win is a testament to the organizing prowess and bargaining chops of the OPEIU members at IRC, and the wide-ranging gains unions can secure for nonprofit workers,” said Tyler Turner, OPEIU president.
Kenneth Quinnell
Thu, 02/12/2026 – 10:15
UAW Concludes 2026 National CAP Conference with Message of Hope and Working Class Solidarity
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Rail Unions Invoke Federal Mediation with CPKC Over DM&E Pay, Benefits Dispute
Three rail labor unions have invoked federal mediation after more than a year of stalled contract talks with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), citing particularly, the railroad’s mistreatment of employees on its former Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DM&E) lines. IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) District 19, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of
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Local 1487 Women’s Committee Hosts 6th Annual ‘Go For Red’ Luncheon to Promote Heart Health Awareness
IAM Union Local 1487 members recently joined together for the Women’s Committee’s 6th annual “Go For Red” Luncheon, an educational event held in recognition of Heart Health Month. Organized by Local 1487 Women’s Committee Chairperson April Walker and her dedicated team, the annual gathering combined important health information with activities designed to promote wellness, connection,
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IAM Union Represents Labor on Prestigious NFLPA Alan Page Community Award Panel
IAM Assistant Director of Communications DeLane Adams recently joined an incredible panel of judges to help narrow 18 outstanding candidates to five finalists for the 2026 NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Alan Page Community Award. More than 6,000 fans also participated through a digital voting platform. The panel also included Anquan Boldin (former NFL wide receiver,
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