Teamsters
Amazon Teamsters and Allies Picket City Hall for the Delivery Protection Act
(NEW YORK) – Amazon Teamsters and their allies held an informational picket today to call for passage of the Delivery Protection Act outside of New York City Hall. The action came just three days after the Teamsters held a massive rally in support of the bill and it secured the endorsement of both New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a supermajority of the New York City Council.
“Amazon Teamsters in New York City have experienced illegal firings, unsafe working conditions, and even bribery attempts from Amazon managers just within the last year. It is well past time to hold Amazon accountable in the five boroughs,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. “The city council needs to do the right thing, stand with the workers who make New York City run, and pass the Delivery Protection Act immediately.”
The Delivery Protection Act would require companies like Amazon to hire its workforce directly, essentially making Amazon’s corrupt third-party “Delivery Service Partner” model illegal in New York City. Amazon uses the DSP model to underpay workers, ignore unsafe working conditions, and shield itself from accountability when it breaks the law or endangers communities. Injuries and other safety issues have skyrocketed in recent years as Amazon facilities have expanded across the city.
“For too long, companies like Amazon have operated in our city like it’s the wild west, ignoring workers’ rights, putting our communities in danger, and acting with impunity,” said Tiffany Cabán, NYC Councilmember (D-22nd District) and author of the Delivery Protection Act. “Mark my words, we will pass the Delivery Protection Act to keep workers and our streets safe and to end the charade of huge corporations hiding behind third party contractors to evade accountability. We now have a supermajority of the Council co-sponsoring the bill and it’s time to put it to a vote.”
“New Yorkers should be able to count on convenient delivery without sacrificing safe jobs, safe streets, or basic accountability from the companies profiting from this system. The Delivery Protection Act will establish stronger protection for worker safety, employment, and responsible operations while bringing long-overdue oversight to an industry where major operators have too often hidden behind subcontractors,” said Brendan Griffith, President of the New York City Central Labor Council. “To be clear: when these companies ‘raise the alarm’ of fewer jobs, higher prices, or service reductions, they are describing choices that they may make, not in the best interest of consumers and workers, but to protect their bottom line. With the Mayor’s support and a supermajority of support in the City Council, it’s time to bring the Delivery Protection Act over the finish line and put New York City’s workers — who are also consumers — first.”
“United Auto Workers Region 9A is proud to stand with Teamsters Local 804, Amazon Teamsters, and the entire union, along with our legislative allies like bill sponsor Tiffany Cabán and Mayor Mamdani in calling on the City Council to pass the Delivery Protection Act,” said Brandon Mancilla, Director of UAW Region 9A. “Today, New York City can make a choice to side with working New Yorkers over billionaire Bezos. The UAW will always stand on the side of the working class against corporate greed, and with 34 sponsors and the mayor’s support we call on this bill to heard, because these workers should not have to wait any longer!”
“Our union supports the Delivery Protection Act because no corporation should be allowed to profit off the labor of working people while avoiding responsibility for worker and community safety,” said Nancy Higgins, President of the New York State Nurses Association. “It’s time that big, private companies like Amazon are held accountable for the working conditions they create.”
“For years, companies like Amazon have used subcontracting schemes to dodge accountability for how they treat their workforce. The Delivery Protection Act closes that loophole to give Amazon workers the protections they deserve,” said Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President. “These workers keep our city moving, and they deserve to do their job safely and with dignity. I’m proud to stand with the Teamsters and call on the City Council to pass the Delivery Protection Act now.”
“From exploiting workers to polluting communities with unregulated last-mile facilities, Amazon has harmed working-class communities like mine for long enough,” said Alexa Avilés, NYC Councilmember (D-38th District). “I’m proud to join Teamsters and concerned New Yorkers in advocating for the transformative Delivery Protection Act. It’s time for Amazon to stop hiding and start paying up to protect their workers. Our communities suffer from the vast, unregulated truck emissions coursing through our neighborhoods. And the workers in those trucks suffer from dangerous and unlivable conditions. Major corporations don’t get to call the shots in New York City, and the Delivery Protection Act will make that clear.”
“Every Amazon package delivered in New York City passes through the hands of a worker that the company must ultimately be responsible for,” said Yusef Salaam, NYC Councilmember (D-9th District). “Amazon’s DSP structure isn’t an accident. It’s a bad business model, and it treats human beings as disposable. The Delivery Protection Act will end it. If you profit from a workers’ labor, you employ them directly. This means providing them with real training, real notice before termination, and real protection from retaliation. I’m proud to join with the Teamsters and my colleagues to pass this bill.”
“The Delivery Protection Act is a needed step in holding accountable major corporations that have built their business on an unsafe and unfair subcontracting system,” said Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, NYC Councilmember (D-31st District). “This system protects them from responsibility while leaving workers vulnerable. I’m grateful to Councilmember Cabán for her leadership on such a critical issue, and proud to stand in solidarity with the Teamsters today. With this legislation, workers can no longer be fired without respect for their rights, and they’ll be given the tools they need to stand up for themselves.”
“Amazon’s cowardly business model lets them hide behind third parties and dodge responsibility while workers and our neighbors get hurt,” said Theodore Moore, ALIGN Executive Director and leader of the New Yorkers for a Fair Economy coalition. “The Delivery Protection Act will deliver justice for Amazon workers and make a trillion-dollar corporation take responsibility for their part in our city’s safety. Today, we’re standing with workers to say enough is enough — let’s bring this bill to a vote.”
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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Bally’s Black Hawk Casino Workers Join Teamsters
(BLACK HAWK, CO.) – A group of 110 casino workers at Black Hawk Casino in Black Hawk, Colorado, have organized with Teamsters Local 455 through a card-check process. This win marks the first time in Colorado history that casino workers have unionized.
“The workers at Black Hawk Casino came together to secure a stronger voice on the job, and they’ve made history in the process,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “This victory is an inspiring reminder to casino workers across Colorado and nationwide that when you stand together, you can win a better future with the Teamsters.”
The group of cooks, cashiers, bartenders, servers, housekeeping, maintenance technicians, slot attendants, and slot technicians joined the Teamsters for wage increases, improved benefits, and safer working conditions.
“This is an important moment for workers in Colorado and the entire casino industry,” said Dean Modecker, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 455. “Our brothers and sisters at Local 455 are excited to welcome the newest bargaining unit to our family. And we’re ready to represent and protect them in the fight for a fair first contract.”
In November 2025, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Bally’s reached a landmark neutrality agreement. Under the card check process, Bally’s workers were able to choose union representation with the Teamsters by signing authorization cards.
“We saw an opportunity to make things better at work, and we took it,” said Alexander Balza, a housekeeper and proud new member of Local 455. “These changes will make a real difference not only for us, but for our families as well.”
Bally’s Black Hawk operates three premier casino properties in Black Hawk, Colorado, offering a unified experience for guests and employees alike. The three casinos feature more than 540 slots, 33 table games, and a premier poker room.
Nationwide, the Teamsters represent nearly 6,000 members at casinos and casino hotels.
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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RTW Management, Inc. Workers Join Teamsters Local 186
(CAMARILLO, Calif.) – Workers at RTW Management, Inc. have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 186. The 22 public transportation workers include maintenance dispatchers, dial-a-ride drivers, and fixed-route drivers who are now ready to fight for a strong Teamsters contract that guarantees fair pay, better working conditions, and a stronger voice on the job.
“We’re so proud to welcome these newest members to the Teamsters,” said Abel Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 186. “They are no longer at-will employees and will now have the opportunity to secure the wage increases, improved working conditions, and the protections that come with a Teamsters contract.”
Local 186 will now begin negotiating a first collective bargaining agreement with RTW Management, Inc. on behalf of the newly organized group.
“When I think about the future and my fellow co-workers, I cannot express how proud I am to be a part of Local 186,” said Jim Gaines, a driver at RTW Management, Inc. “This victory gives us a real voice on the job and the opportunity to secure a better future for ourselves and our families.”
Teamsters Local 186 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties in California. For more information, go to teamsterslocal186.org.
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IKEA Teamsters Forced to Strike
(JOLIET, Ill.) – More than 190 Teamsters at IKEA’s distribution center in Joliet have been forced onto the picket line after the furniture giant failed to offer workers a fair first Teamsters contract. The warehouse workers, represented by Teamsters Local 179, are demanding higher wages, improved working conditions, and protections against automation.
“IKEA reported more than $1.7 billion in profits last year, but the wages this company is offering its workers are disgraceful,” said Chris Richter, President of Local 179. “Our members are on the picket line because they refuse to let a multibillion-dollar corporation shortchange the people who make its success possible. IKEA can afford to pay these workers fairly, and we will stay out here until it does.”
Workers at the Joliet facility voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters in March, becoming the third IKEA location to organize with the union in North America. Despite the company’s immense profits, IKEA has refused to offer wages that keep pace with inflation, provide additional sick time, or agree to protections against automation that threatens workers livelihoods.
“We did not want to strike, but IKEA left us no choice,” said Velvety Beard, an IKEA worker and member of Local 179. “We formed our union with the Teamsters because we wanted better wages, better working conditions, and a real voice on the job. All of us are determined and prepared to stay on the picket line for as long as it takes to win a fair contract.”
Rather than invest in the workers who keep its supply chain moving, IKEA has spent tens of thousands of dollars erecting temporary fencing around the Joliet facility and hiring additional security. Teamsters at the distribution center play a critical role in moving IKEA furniture and home goods across the Midwest and throughout the company’s supply chain.
“IKEA Teamsters are showing this company exactly what solidarity looks like,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “These workers joined the Teamsters because they knew standing together would give them the power to demand more. IKEA can spend all the money it wants on fences and security, but none of that will intimidate us. We will fight for as long as it takes to win the contract these workers have earned.”
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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Nevada Teamsters Launch Strike at Transdev
(LAS VEGAS) – A group of 700 paratransit workers at Transdev Services Inc., represented by Teamsters Local 631 in Las Vegas, were forced to strike in response to their employer’s failure to offer a fair contract.
Members rejected Transdev’s last, best, and final offer because it did not address concerns about wages, pensions, and working conditions. The company also threatened to withdraw retroactive pay, a move that would constitute bad-faith regressive bargaining and violate previously signed agreements.
“Our members at Transdev were forced onto the picket line by this company’s unwillingness to bargain a fair and equitable agreement,” said Tommy Blitsch, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 631. “Transdev has one of the largest paratransit contracts in the country, and cost of living in Las Vegas is extremely high. We are simply fighting for wages and benefits that are in accordance with the incredibly important work this group does.”
The unit includes drivers, maintenance clerks, utility, fuel and tire employees, dispatchers, customer service representatives, road supervisors, schedulers, receptionists, data entry clerks, trip editors, payroll staff, and cash counters. They provide door-to-door paratransit service for people unable to use fixed-route public transit, especially those with reduced mobility.
“We are on the picket line because we refuse to accept less than we deserve,” said Surrene Mendoza, a paratransit worker and member of Local 631. “Our work keeps the Las Vegas community moving, and we are simply asking for fair pay, better benefits, and the working conditions needed to keep serving our city.”
Teamsters Local 631 represents workers in gaming, construction, logistics, transit, and other industries throughout Southern Nevada. For more information, visit teamsterslocal631.org.
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Breakthru Beverage Teamsters Win Strike
(WASHINGTON) – After nearly three months on the picket line, over 215 drivers and warehouse workers at Breakthru Beverage facilities in Cicero, Ill. and St. Louis have won their strike. The members of Teamsters Locals 600, 688, and 710 were forced into a work stoppage over the company’s numerous unfair labor practices (ULPs).
The three four-year contracts include wage increases, protections for sick leave, and a pathway to earn seniority. The agreements also include hard-fought protection of contract rights, such as the lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line at their respective locations.
“Breakthru Beverage tried to divide our members by forcing them into an unnecessary strike and trying to continuously drag it out. Despite the company’s despicable efforts, Teamsters stayed focused and continued to hold management accountable for their illegal behavior,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The power of our solidarity is undeniable. These workers stood strong and showed Breakthru that when you pick a fight with one Teamster, you pick a fight with all of us.”
Over 430 Teamsters nationwide exercised their individual and legal right to refuse to cross the striking workers’ extended picket line in a show of support for their brothers and sisters.
“Teamsters at Breakthru were determined and refused to bend for any agreement that did not honor their worth,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “They refused to fall for any of management’s tricks and showed what solidarity is all about. With hundreds of Breakthru Teamsters across the country behind them, our members in Illinois and Missouri were able to win a strong contract.”
“I am proud of the solidarity, resilience, and commitment demonstrated by every Teamster throughout this process,” said Ray Molett, a 10-year driver at Breakthru Beverage and member of Local 600. “We made our voices heard with unity and determination. And our contracts will afford us more respect on the job and make this company a more meaningful place to work.”
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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Teamsters at Cargill Salt Launch ULP Strike
(NEWARK, Calif.) – 120 members of Teamsters Local 853 at Cargill Salt in Newark, Calif., have been forced out on strike over the company’s unfair labor practices (ULP), which includes retaliating against a steward during contract negotiations.
In addition to fighting back against Cargill’s behavior, workers are seeking a fair contract that addresses key wage and health insurance concerns as they negotiate a new agreement with the company.
“This workforce keeps a critical supply chain running, and they deserve a contract that reflects their skill and value,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853. “A billion-dollar company has no excuse to cut the pay and benefits of its workers. We want Cargill to take our concerns seriously instead of retaliating against our members.”
Teamsters at Cargill Salt harvest, process, and package sea salt at the Newark facility — one of the only sea salt operations of its kind in North America. They oversee the entire production process from harvesting salt in evaporation ponds and turning that into finished products used for table salt, road de-icing, and other specialty uses.
“For many of us, this is about supporting our families and planning for the future,” said Ever Duran, a worker at Cargill Salt and steward with Local 853. “We are the bedrock of the salt industry, and we just want a contract that fairly reflects that. It’s up to Cargill if they want to play ball and recognize how critical we are to their success.”
Teamsters Local 853 represents nearly 15,000 members across half a dozen industries across Northern California. For more information, visit teamsters853.org.
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Teamsters, Elected Officials Rally for Delivery Protection Act
(LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y.) – Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman rallied today with hundreds of rank-and-file Teamsters and New York elected officials in support of the Delivery Protection Act, calling on the New York City Council to pass the groundbreaking legislation without delay.
The Delivery Protection Act, authored by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán (D-22nd District) and inspired by the Amazon Teamsters 2024 strike, would require Amazon and other delivery companies operating in New York City to license their facilities with the city and hire its delivery workforce directly. If passed, the Delivery Protection Act would make Amazon’s corrupt Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model illegal within the five boroughs.
“Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner model is the most dangerous business model in America today. It allows Amazon to break the law while hiding behind shell companies it has total control over,” O’Brien said. “The Delivery Protection Act is the blueprint for how workers can fight back against Amazon’s greed. The New York City Council must pass this critical legislation and do its part to protect American workers.”
In response to support for the bill from the City Council and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Amazon has engaged in its most aggressive lobbying effort yet in New York City, spending over $5 million to bankroll a dark money campaign against the Delivery Protection Act. While the Five Borough Jobs Campaign claims to be made up of “small businesses,” Amazon has bankrolled over 97 percent of the group’s funding since the Delivery Protection Act was announced.
“Amazon is trying to trick New Yorkers and the City Council with a multimillion-dollar astroturf misinformation campaign because it knows that the truth is on the Teamsters’ side,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. “It is appalling that the top killer of small businesses in this country is now using these same small businesses as a smoke screen to push false narratives against the Delivery Protection Act. Amazon Teamsters will continue to lead the movement to hold Amazon accountable.”
“When Amazon shut down my DSP, essentially firing every one of us, they gave us less than a day’s notice and did it over text. No company should have that power over workers,” said Latrice Johnson, an Amazon Teamster from the DBK4 facility in Maspeth, Queens. “The Delivery Protection Act is how we are fighting back. This law will make it illegal for Amazon to hide behind a fake third party, let alone fire hundreds of people without any respect for our rights. New York City has the power to change how Amazon treats its workers — the Delivery Protection Act will do it.”
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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DFA Teamsters Authorize Strike at Kemps
(FARMINGTON, Minn.) – Over 110 members with Teamsters Local 471 at Kemps in Farmington, Minn., a subsidiary of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as they seek better wages, stronger benefits, improved vacation time, and strike protections.
“Every day, our members put their hands, time, and pride into the dairy products people across this region eat,” said Lyndon Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 471. “They are fighting for wages that let them take care of their families, benefits that give them security, and strike protections that ensure they can stand up for themselves when needed. This vote shows how deeply they believe in one another and how focused they are in securing what they deserve.”
Teamsters at the Farmington facility produce cultured dairy products that are fixtures in households across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, including Top the Tater sour cream and Kemps cottage cheese. Their work supports a major dairy operation that produces and distributes fresh dairy products for families, schools, and retailers throughout the Midwest.
“This is my second time on the bargaining committee negotiating a new contract, and we’re not asking for anything unreasonable,” said Ryan Just, a worker at Kemps and steward with Local 471. “We’re looking for wages that keep up with inflation, better health care, and more time to spend with our families. We want to reach a fair agreement as soon as possible, and we’re hopeful Kemps wants that too.”
Teamsters Local 471 represents workers throughout Minnesota across industries, including dairy processing, warehousing, and distribution. For more information, go to local471.com.
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Open Kitchens Teamsters Win Strike
(CHICAGO) – Teamsters at Open Kitchens have successfully concluded a six-week strike and overwhelmingly ratified their first Teamsters contract. The three-year agreement covers 40 drivers and helpers represented by Teamsters Local 703 and delivers a 24 percent wage increase, affordable health care, and protections against subcontracting.
“Open Kitchens tried everything to stop these workers from organizing, but nothing could stop them from winning the strong first contract they deserved,” said Thomas W. Stiede, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 703. “I’m incredibly proud of our members for holding the line for more than six weeks. Their determination and solidarity made this victory possible.”
Workers were forced onto the picket line over Open Kitchens’ unfair labor practices and the company’s failure to bargain in a timely manner. Along with significant economic improvements, the agreement provides just cause protections, establishes seniority rights, and gives workers a legally enforceable voice on the job.
“If we hadn’t fought back, nothing would have changed,” said Jose Espionosa, a driver and member of Local 703. “This contract proves what workers can accomplish when we stay united. We’re proud to be Teamsters, and grateful for the incredible support we received from our fellow Teamsters throughout Chicago.”
Open Kitchens Teamsters deliver meals to Chicago Public Schools and other customers across the Chicagoland area. Workers voted to join the Teamsters last year to secure the wages, benefits, and workplace protections that come with a strong contract.
“Management at Open Kitchens failed to intimidate these workers and deny them the contract they earned,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “By refusing to back down, these Teamsters won a first agreement that raises standards and protects their rights for years to come.”
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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