Teamsters
Workers at Highline Warren Join Teamsters
(GLEN DALE, W.Va.) – A group of 201 drivers and warehouse workers at Highline Warren in Glen Dale, W. Va., have voted to join Teamsters Local 697. The workers organized for higher wages, better benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
“We’re proud to welcome these workers as the newest members of Teamsters Local 697,” said Rick Bauer, President of Local 697. “They took a stand for the workplace standards they deserve, and we will continue fighting with them at the bargaining table to secure a strong first contract.”
Workers at Highline Warren manufacture and distribute automotive maintenance and consumable products. The company distributes products for major brands including Kimberly-Clark, Philips 66, 3M, Chevron, and Shell Rotella.
“I know firsthand the difference unions can make, and I’m thrilled we were finally able to organize with a union as strong as the Teamsters,” said Dorothy Cook, an 18-year worker at Highline Warren and member of Local 697. “As Teamsters, we will fight for the wages, benefits, and respect we deserve.”
The Glen Dale facility is one of 12 Highline Warren distribution centers across the U.S. The organizing victory is the first Teamsters win at the company and establishes a strategic foothold in Highline Warren’s national distribution network.
“The Teamsters are organizing warehouse and logistics everywhere, and West Virginia is no exception,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “Every organizing victory strengthens our union and expands our ability to take on corporate America.”
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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O-AT-KA Teamsters Secure Strong Contract
(BATAVIA, N.Y.) – A group of 338 workers at O-AT-KA Milk Products in Batavia, N.Y., represented by Teamsters Local 118, have ratified a strong five-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract delivers wage increases up to 46 percent, improves health care benefits, and increases retirement funding.
“This contract is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our negotiating committee and the entire unit,” said Tim Barbeto, President of Teamsters Local 118. “Our members made it clear that they deserved a contract that protected their quality of life and recognized the essential work they do for the company.”
Members at O-AT-KA help manufacture and package dairy-based products and ingredients for customers nationwide, including ready-to-drink beverages, evaporated milk, butter, milk powders, and other dairy products.
“These are the best raises that we’ve seen since I began working here,” said Russ, a 30-year worker at O-AT-KA and member of Local 118. “This contract will make a real difference for our families, especially with the cost of living continuing to rise. It also shows what we can accomplish as Teamsters when we stay united throughout the bargaining process.”
Teamsters Local 118 proudly represents over 5,000 workers across upstate New York and in Northern Pennsylvania. For more information, go to teamsters118.com.
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Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries Ratify Strong New Agreement
(BALDWIN, N.Y.) – A group of 200 Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The route sales professionals, route riders, field merchandising representatives, and utility drivers are employed by Entenmann’s and S.B. Thomas, brands under the Bimbo umbrella.
“Through their consistent bargaining and strong solidarity, this determined group was able to close their deal without a strike and win an excellent agreement,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “This contract shows what Teamsters can achieve when we refuse to back down. Our members should be proud of this accomplishment.”
“The Teamsters committee and our members were tenacious in their approach to solidifying the best contract possible,” said James Shannon, President of Teamsters Local 802. “This group stuck together, and because of that they have obtained an impressive agreement.”
The new six-year agreement includes an up to 40 percent wage increase, more employer-paid contributions toward health care, a uniform allowance, and a raise in pay for holidays, sick days, and personal days. The contract also includes a no layoff clause for the first year of the agreement.
“By standing united we secured a powerful contract that truly recognizes our dedication,” said David Halwick, a route sales professional at Entenmann’s for 34 years and a shop steward. “This agreement delivers concrete improvements, especially for our newer members.”
Teamsters Local 802 represents bakery drivers and food production workers in New York and New Jersey. Local 802’s major employers include Entenmann’s, S.B Thomas, Frito-Lay, and Krasdale Foods. For more information, visit www.ibt802.org.
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Southern ReadyMix Drivers in Georgia Join Teamsters
(LUTHERVILLE, Ga.) – In a historic vote, 70 concrete ready-mix drivers for Southern ReadyMix have joined Teamsters Local 528, becoming the first group of concrete truck drivers to unionize in Georgia in 25 years. The drivers provide concrete services to residential properties and businesses in Metro Atlanta and across the state of Georgia.
“We could not be prouder of Southern ReadyMix drivers for having the courage to join the Teamsters,” said Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “They have proven once again that if construction industry workers want the best chance at building a livelihood, the only way to go is with the Teamsters.”
“Southern ReadyMix Teamsters overcame an intense anti-union campaign from the company and have shown that solidarity will always beat lies and misinformation,” said Chuck Stiles, Representative of Teamsters Local 528. “We look forward to bargaining a first union contract that recognizes the hard work and dedication Southern ReadyMix drivers bring to the job every single day.”
The newest members of Local 528 joined the Teamsters in search of higher pay, fair work rules, and better health care for their families.
“I voted to become a Teamster because one person can be ignored, but united workers can’t be denied,” said Tony Johnson, a Southern ReadyMix driver and new member of Local 528. “If Southern ReadyMix tries to ignore us now, we will have the full power of the Teamsters behind us. We can’t wait to get to the bargaining table to win our first Teamsters contract.”
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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Penske Teamsters in Florida and Missouri Authorize a Strike
(WASHINGTON) – Ahead of a June 30 contract expiration, Penske workers represented by Teamsters Locals 79, 512, 541, 618, and 769 have taken an overwhelming strike authorization. The nearly 250 Penske Teamsters are covered by the Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements.
“Penske is a multibillion-dollar corporation that can more than afford to offer Teamsters a fair contract,” said Rocco Calo, Director of the Teamsters Industrial Trades Division. “Penske is trying to place the costs and burdens of their mismanagement onto the backs of Teamsters by denying them fair wage increases, proposing pension freezes, and rejecting a fair attendance system they already have in place. Teamsters won’t stand for it, and this strike authorization should make that abundantly clear to Penske leadership.”
In addition to making insulting proposals, Penske has engaged in illegal, regressive bargaining with the most recent example happening today when they significantly changed the health care proposal that both parties had already tentatively agreed to.
“The fact the company already agreed to our current health care and then shows up this morning and proposes drastic changes to it is a complete slap in the face,” said Mike Schanuth, a Penske Teamster from Local 541 and member of the bargaining committee. “It’s long past due for our employer to get serious. The clock is ticking.”
Negotiations are scheduled to continue through June 30. If an agreement is not reached, Teamsters at Penske will be forced to strike.
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 Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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Snohomish City Workers Ratify Strong Teamsters Agreement
(SNOHOMISH, Wash.) – Workers in the City of Snohomish, represented by Teamsters Local 763, have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The public works and office technical employees maintain critical infrastructure, provide essential utility services, keep roads safe, and care for the parks and public spaces that residents rely on every day.
“Our members were clear from day one: they would not accept cuts to their retirement security or fall further behind while continuing to provide essential public services,” said Chad Baker, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 763. “They organized, they spoke out, they stood together, and they won. This contract proves what workers can accomplish when they refuse to back down and fight for the respect, wages, and benefits they have earned. I could not be prouder of the solidarity and determination shown by this bargaining unit.”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases, preserves existing health care benefits, and increases contributions to the Teamsters Pension Fund, ensuring a more secure future for City of Snohomish workers and their families.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the city’s new administration for engaging in negotiations with an open mind and a genuine willingness to listen to staff concerns,” said Joe Palmer, a shop steward in the public works department. “Through clear communication and a collaborative approach, we were able to reach a new Teamsters contract that aligns with the goals of both the city and its staff.”
Teamsters Local 763 has proudly represented workers in city governments, school districts, emergency response services, funeral homes, and public agencies for over 86 years. For more information, go to teamsters763.org.
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Workers at Bert Nash Center Join Teamsters Local 696
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) – 253 workers at the Bert Nash Center in Lawrence beat back their employer’s union-busting campaign and voted to organize with Teamsters Local 696. After marching on the boss in May, Bert Nash management launched a six-figure union-busting campaign to deter workers from joining the Teamsters.
“Hundreds of thousands of dollars were no match for the determination of these workers to become Teamsters,” said Mike Scribner, President of Local 696. “We are thrilled to announce this victory and excited to get to work to negotiate the strongest possible contract for these new Teamsters.”
Workers at the Bert Nash Center were previously organized but unable to secure a contract. As health care workers who provide critical behavioral health services, they deserve the protections of a strong union contract.
“I truly believe being Teamsters is going to help us have a seat at the table, to help Bert Nash strive for excellence, and most importantly, to empower us to provide the best possible care for our community and our clients,” said Amy Munsterman, a licensed practical nurse at the Bert Nash Center.
Teamsters Local 696 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Northern Kansas, including UPS workers, public employees, school bus drivers, sanitation workers, and more. For more information, go to teamsters696.com.
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Workers at Mill Rock Packaging Join Teamsters Local 117
(TUKWILA, Wash.) – Workers at Mill Rock Packaging have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 117. The material handlers will join an existing bargaining unit of press and assistant press operators, floor help, pre-press, plate makers, and sheeter operators at Mill Rock who previously joined the union.
“We are proud of these workers for sticking together through this process,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “Our goal is to make sure their concerns are addressed at the bargaining table. We look forward to working with this group to outline their demands and negotiate a contract they can be proud of.”
The material handlers organized for workplace protections, increased wages, affordable health insurance, and better retirement benefits.
“With this step, our union grows stronger. Now that everyone in our department will be represented by the Teamsters, I believe we will be treated more fairly,” said Curtiss Jackson, a material handler at Mill Rock Packaging.
Teamsters Local 117 represents 19,000 workers across Washington State across many industries in both the public and private sectors. For more information, visit Teamsters117.org.
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Workers at Mt. View Funeral Home Join Teamsters
(TUKWILA, Wash.) – A group of 11 workers at Mt. View Funeral Home have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 117. The staff associates will join an existing bargaining unit of 17 cemetery workers, embalmers, and funeral directors already represented by the Teamsters.
After speaking with their co-workers about the benefits of unionization, the staff associates reached out to Teamsters representatives to discuss how to improve workplace safety, secure equitable wages, and win respect on the job.
“We are thrilled to welcome another group of workers at Mt. View to the union,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “These workers provide care, compassion, and support to families when they need it most — after the loss of a loved one. They deserve a strong Teamsters contract with fair pay, good benefits, and provisions that protect their safety and well-being.”
Staff associates at Mt. View are responsible for transporting deceased individuals to the funeral facility. They offer support to family members of the deceased at multiple locations during the grieving process — prior to transportation, at the funeral home, and at memorial services.
“We wanted to join the Teamsters because we didn’t feel confident that upper management cared about our safety,” said Leía Allen, a staff associate at Mt. View Funeral Home. “People have been hurt and pressured to return to work before they are fully healed. Our needs and requests have been repeatedly ignored, forgotten, and dismissed. But not anymore.”
Teamsters Local 117 represents 19,000 workers throughout Washington State across many industries in both the public and private sectors. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.
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Teamsters Forced On Strike at Open Kitchens
(CHICAGO) – Drivers and helpers at Open Kitchens in Chicago have been forced to strike over the company’s unfair labor practices. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 703, are fighting for a first contract.
“Our members at Open Kitchens are demanding the company end its illegal labor practices and negotiate a fair first contract,” said Thomas W. Stiede, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 703. “Management’s reckless and unlawful conduct has left these workers with no choice but to strike. It is time for the company to stop breaking the law and get serious at the bargaining table.”
Teamsters at Open Kitchens deliver meals to Chicago Public Schools and other customers throughout the Chicagoland area. Workers voted to join the Teamsters last year, but the company has continued to intimidate workers and drag out negotiations instead of reaching a collective bargaining agreement.
“We come to work every day to do our jobs and provide for our families, but management has treated us with disrespect and constant threats to our livelihoods,” said Ernesto Patino, a helper at Open Kitchens and a member of Local 703. “As Teamsters, we are not backing down from this fight until we win the dignity only a union contract can provide.”
Local 703 has filed multiple unfair labor practice charges against Open Kitchens with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging the company illegally terminated workers in retaliation for protected union activity. Those unlawful terminations, coupled with the company’s continued efforts to delay reaching a first contract, forced these workers onto the picket line.
“Open Kitchens thought they could violate federal labor law and stall these negotiations until our members gave up,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “They made a serious miscalculation. The Teamsters have the strength and the resolve to win this fight.”
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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