Teamsters
Denver Public Sector Workers Join Teamsters
(DENVER) – Nearly 750 public sector workers in the city and county of Denver have joined the Teamsters. A group of 67 workers in the Audit Services Department and Clerk and Recorders Office have joined Teamsters Local 455, and 682 workers in the Crime Lab and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure have joined Teamsters Local 17.
“We started organizing with the Teamsters to hold the city of Denver accountable for years of conditions getting worse and failing to look out for our best interests,” said Jesus “Chuy” Lopez, a member of Local 17 and a solid waste collection operator. “We need a Teamsters contract not just for us but for future workers. When workers have the dignity and respect we deserve, we have the resources to treat and serve Denver the way it deserves.”
“I chose to organize so my colleagues and I could have real decision-making power, fair wages, and meaningful benefits. Denver residents deserve an Auditor’s Office that provides rigorous, independent oversight regardless of who leads it,” said Jordon Monk, a member of Local 455 and internal senior auditor. “Elected auditors come and go, but our commitment to Denver does not. A union contract honors that dedication and allows our office to continue producing award-winning audits year after year because the people who produce them have a reason to stay.”
These organizing victories come on the heels of an over 20-year battle to get collective bargaining rights for these hardworking city and county workers. For public sector workers in Denver to have the right to organize a union, a change to the city’s charter was needed. In November 2024, voters overwhelmingly supported the ballot measure allowing these workers to form a union.
“For decades, Teamsters fought alongside these workers to secure them the right to collectively bargain,” said Peter Finn, Director of the Teamsters Public Services and Health Care Division and International Vice President At-Large. “With those rights secured, they were finally able to take action and work to secure a better future for themselves by joining the Teamsters. We look forward to helping this group negotiate their long awaited first contract.”
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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PHILLIPS 66 TEAMSTERS OVERWHELMINGLY AUTHORIZE STRIKE
(LINDEN, N.J.) – Members of Teamsters Local 877 at Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery have voted by an overwhelming 92 percent margin to authorize a strike. The 385 process and mechanical workers work at the largest oil refinery on the East Coast.
The workers are demanding a contract that delivers higher wages, stronger benefits, reliable access to paid time off, and protects contractual language previously negotiated and agreed upon.
“If a strike occurs, it will be because Phillips 66 management has left these workers with no other choice,” said Jeff Sanford, President of Local 877. “Our members are standing together for a fair contract that recognizes the essential work they perform every day at Bayway.”
In 2025, management implemented an Absence Control Policy that allows discipline, up to and including termination, for employee absences due to illness.
Management has proposed changes that would compromise safety, including reducing qualification requirements and shortening the current 30-month training period for new employees. The company has also proposed tying probationary status to qualification milestones that could take up to six years to complete, replacing the current 10-month probationary period.
“These workers are in a demanding and essential industry. Without their labor, the Northeast’s energy infrastructure would crumble,” said Juan Campos, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division. “If management thinks they can drag their feet and force workers to settle for less, they’re in for a sobering wake up call. The Teamsters are united and we aren’t backing down.”
Negotiations are ongoing, but no agreement has been reached. The current collective bargaining agreement expires on Oct 1.
“We put our health, safety, and livelihoods on the line to keep this refinery running, and we expect to be compensated accordingly,” said Fred Trachsler, an 18-year operator and Local 877 steward. “We’re not going to accept weaker safety standards, blatant concessions, or policies that punish workers. If management keeps this up, we’ll have to fight on the picket line.”
The Phillips 66 Bayway Refinery processes 275 million barrels of crude oil and 145 million barrels of gasoline products each day. Last year, they generated $4.4 billion.
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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Amazon Warehouse Workers at SWF1 Launch Unfair Labor Practice Strike
(ROCK TAVERN, N.Y.) – Amazon warehouse workers at the SWF1 Facility in Rock Tavern, New York, went on an unfair labor practice strike today, following months of Amazon ignoring their calls for safer working conditions.
The workers are demanding an end to unsafe Amazon policies, such as dangerous conveyor belt speeds and neglect from Amazon managers when substandard conditions are reported. Workers are also fighting to stop unfair productivity write-ups.
“My co-workers and I are constantly telling Amazon about our safety concerns, but we are always ignored and told that we don’t know what we are talking about. That’s not only disrespectful to us, it also puts our health and safety at unnecessary risk,” said Javier Rivera, a warehouse worker at SWF1. “If Amazon won’t listen to us on the floor, then we will force it to listen to us on the street. We will not rest until Amazon starts treating us with the dignity every worker deserves.”
Workers routinely witness Amazon prioritize profits and productivity over safe working conditions. Many at SWF1 have to sort and search for items in aisles strewn with packages and dodge falling parcels on the job. Amazon’s labor sharing policy often reclassifies workers into departments without proper training, setting them up to fail. Workers have posted about such safety concerns on the company’s digital Voice of the Associate board, but instead of fixing the problems, Amazon deletes their messages.
“Amazon wants us to be scared because Amazon knows it has no answer for worker solidarity and worker power. When we stand together and stand up for each other, there is nothing that we can’t accomplish,” said Scott Spath, a warehouse worker at SWF1. “We are done waiting on Amazon to fix these problems. The only way to win the respect we deserve is by taking it, and we are doing that here at SWF1.”
Workers at SWF1 are on the picket line today demanding that Amazon obey the law and end its unfair labor practices at the facility.
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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Teamsters Secure Major Legal Victory for St. Albans Creamery Workers
(WASHINGTON) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters is applauding a court ruling requiring Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) to continue providing health care coverage to members of Teamsters Local 597 while the legal challenges to the idling of the St. Albans Creamery move forward.
“This ruling is a major victory for the workers in St. Albans who were facing the prospect of losing their health care through no fault of their own,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “Many of our members and their families are dealing with serious medical conditions that require ongoing treatment and care. Had DFA been allowed to cut off their health insurance, workers and their loved ones could have lost access to life-saving care.”
The ruling prevents DFA from terminating health care coverage for workers and their families while the Teamsters continue challenging the dairy cooperative’s decision to idle the St. Albans Creamery. The union maintains that the closure was unlawful retaliation following last year’s strike and is pursuing its claims through the grievance and arbitration process.
“I cannot emphasize how much relief this will be for our members and their families,” said Curtis Clough, President of Teamsters Local 597. “No one who has already lost their job should have to worry about whether they can afford the medication or treatment they need to stay healthy. We are grateful the court protected these workers and are committed to securing the best possible outcome for our members at St. Albans.”
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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Teamsters California-Backed Waste Bill Becomes Law
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – The Teamsters applaud California lawmakers for passing and signing into law Senate Bill 1371 (SB 1371). Authored by Sen. María Elena Durazo, SB 1371 will safeguard sanitation workers, keep California communities clean, and hold irresponsible waste haulers accountable for prolonging work stoppages.
“Waste workers have one of the toughest jobs in America. Their work is made even harder by greedy employers trying to take money out of their pockets,” said Victor Mineros, Co-Chair of Teamsters California and Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division Director. “SB 1371 takes the power from billion-dollar haulers and puts it in the hands of union waste workers. On behalf of Teamsters California’s quarter-million members, thank you to every elected official who got this critical bill over the finish line.”
Contracts between waste companies and municipalities typically have a “force majeure” clause. This shields the company from being penalized for failing to fulfill its contractual obligations during major disruptions like natural disasters. But to undermine unions and workers, companies often include labor disputes as a qualifying force majeure disruption. SB 1371 closes this loophole.
“This is a big day for California workers. For too long, waste companies have gotten away with making communities and unions foot the bill for employer-caused strikes,” said Peter Finn, Co-Chair of Teamsters California. “SB 1371 goes a long way toward leveling the playing field. Thank you to Senator Maria Elena Durazo and all those who worked so hard to make this bill a law.”
The Teamsters represent thousands of waste workers throughout California. Over 3,000 of them across Southern California represented by Teamsters Local 396 are currently bargaining new contracts with major employers including Republic Services and Waste Management.
“Waste companies always try to turn the public against workers who are forced to strike for better conditions — even when the employers cause the strike and keep getting paid for collections that aren’t happening,” said Mike Di Bene, a 15-year Republic Services driver represented by Teamsters Local 70. “This is one of the worst things management does to try to hurt union waste workers like me. But thanks to SB 1371, California haulers can no longer use this abusive tactic. Now, workers have the power.”
Teamsters California is the united voice of 250,000 workers across dozens of industries who power the state’s economy and communities every single day. For more information, go to teamstersca.org.
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Teamsters at Safran Seats Launch Unfair Labor Practice Strike
(GAINESVILLE, Texas) – Members of Teamsters Local 767 at Safran Seats were forced to launch an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike in Gainesville, Texas, after the employer refused to offer a contract that did not require mandatory overtime.
“Instead of addressing Safran Teamsters’ concerns with a provision in the tentative agreement, the company has decided to play games at the bargaining table and forced us to the picket line,” said Dave Reeves, President of Local 767. “Due to Safran’s unwillingness to present a revised agreement without mandatory overtime, Teamsters will be on strike until the company gets serious and offers a fair contract.”
More than 350 Teamsters build airplane seats for major airlines at one of the nation’s largest suppliers. On Sept. 18, Safran Teamsters rejected the company’s offer due to a mandatory overtime provision. Local 767 returned to the bargaining table and made clear to Safran that any contract that includes this provision would be rejected and leave members with no choice but to strike.
“We are out here striking because we want no mandatory overtime, our holiday pay back, and fair wages for all of us Teamsters — even those who have topped out,” said Michelle Shero, a 20-year Safran Teamster. “We deserve a strong contract for all of the hard work we put in day in and day out.”
Chartered in 1956, Teamsters Local 767 proudly represents workers at 10 employers in the greater Dallas-Ft. Worth area. For more information, go to teamsters767.com.
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Teamsters Extend Picket Lines to Additional Coca-Cola Facilities
(INDIANAPOLIS) – Teamsters at Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. in Anderson, Ind., have extended their unfair labor practice (ULP) strike to additional company operations. Over 300 Teamsters in Akron, Toledo, and Twinsburg, Ohio, exercised their individual legal and contractual right to refuse to cross the extended picket line, effectively shutting down the company’s Ohio operations.
“The company has been failing to seriously bargain with our members, and we aren’t going to stand for it,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “As long as management refuses to offer a fair contract, we will remain on the picket line. Teamsters around the country have Local 135’s back, and these extended picket lines prove our solidarity is as strong as ever.”Nearly 50 drivers and merchandisers were forced to strike after the company failed to bargain in good faith. Local 135 members are demanding management come to the table to negotiate a fair contract with serious offers on wages, affordable health care, and with no unilateral changes to the status quo, including their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line.
“These workers have made it clear that they won’t settle for an agreement that does not respect what they are worth,” said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. “With the support of hundreds of their Teamsters brothers and sisters, our members are prepared to continue their work stoppage until they get a fair deal. Management needs to stop their games and get people back to work.”
“Coca-Cola Consolidated continues to put unserious offers on the table,” said Mark Morris a merchandiser at Coca-Cola Consolidated and member of Local 135. “They should be ashamed of the health care and short-term disability they provide workers. No one should have to come in while recovering from an injury. We will continue to strike until we get a fair deal.”
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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Sysco Drivers in Wisconsin Vote Overwhelmingly to Join Teamsters
(BARABOO, Wis.) – Drivers at Sysco in Baraboo have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 120. The 84 drivers organized to secure the strong wages, benefits, and workplace protections that Sysco Teamsters have won at the bargaining table across the country.
“Our routes fall right between Minneapolis and Chicago, where Sysco workers are already Teamsters,” said Tyler Knoup, a Sysco Baraboo driver and new member of Local 120. “We saw what Teamsters at Sysco in Minnesota and Illinois have won, and their wages and benefits are considerably better than ours. We organized because we’re ready to close that gap and get what we deserve.”
The newly organized drivers deliver food and supplies to restaurants, hospitals, and major universities throughout Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Nationwide, the Teamsters represent over 13,000 workers at Sysco and its subsidiaries.
Sysco is one of the largest food service providers in the United States and reported $1.83 billion in net earnings in fiscal year 2025. Across the country, Sysco Teamsters have secured contracts with substantial wage increases, Teamsters health care, pension benefits, and strong workplace protections.
“Sysco drivers in Baraboo saw what their Teamsters brothers and sisters have won across the industry and decided it was time to demand the same,” said Tom Erickson, President of Local 120 and Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “These workers generate enormous profits for Sysco, and now we’re going to make sure they get their fair share. We are ready to bargain the strongest possible first contract, and Sysco should understand that Local 120 and the entire Teamsters Union will be standing behind these workers every step of the way.”
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 Organize Two DHL Subcontractors in 24 Hours
(CARROLLTON, Tx.) – Fifty-five drivers at Cartage Services by DeliverOL and Driven-Force Inc., two subcontractors for DHL Express, have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 745. The two organizing victories, secured within 24 hours of each other, come as workers seek to win the wages, benefits, and workplace protections enjoyed by thousands of DHL Teamsters nationwide.
“We wear DHL uniforms, deliver DHL packages, and drive DHL trucks, but we are paid considerably less than DHL Teamsters,” said Malik Hathorn, a driver at Cartage Services by DeliverOL and a new member of Local 745. “We organized because we saw what our Teamsters brothers and sisters at DHL have won, and we know we deserve the same. Now we’re ready to fight for it at the bargaining table.”
During the organizing campaign, both DHL subcontractors committed multiple unfair labor practices and hired high-priced outside union-busters to try to stop workers from organizing. Their efforts failed. Drivers at both companies voted unanimously to join the Teamsters.
“We had some simple questions for the union buster management flew in from Florida: who do you work for, and whose interests are you here to protect?” said Calvin Dawson, a driver at Driven-Force Inc. and a new member of Local 745. “The company paid his fees, his hotel, his airfare, and his meals. We told him he could take our message back to management. We are Teamsters, 100 percent, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
The Teamsters represent thousands of workers at DHL, its subsidiaries, and subcontractors nationwide. In May, DHL Teamsters overwhelmingly ratified a new national master agreement that secured significant wage increases, increased health and welfare contributions, and established protections against AI-driven routing systems and autonomous vehicles.
“We are organizing every corner of DHL’s operation and building the power necessary to raise standards for anyone who moves a DHL package,” said Spencer Dearth, Director of the Teamsters Logistics Division. “These drivers stood together, defeated the company’s union-busting campaign, and voted unanimously to join their local. Now we will turn that unity into strong first contracts.”
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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Kemps Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
(FARMINGTON, Minn.) – More than 110 members of Teamsters Local 471 at Kemps in Farmington, Minn., have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year agreement that delivers improvements on wages, workplace protections, a two percent reduction for their health care cap, and other benefits.
Kemps, a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), is a key part of DFA’s Midwest dairy operation. Teamsters at the Farmington facility produce and package popular products like Top the Tater and Kemps cottage cheese.
“This agreement is proof that when workers stay engaged and stick together, they can raise standards for themselves and their families,” said Lyndon Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 471. “Our members remained focused throughout bargaining and secured meaningful improvements that reflect the value they bring to this company every single day. I’m proud to say that they earned everything in this new contract.”
In addition to better wages and health care, Teamsters secured a two percent increase in contributions to the Central States Pension Fund. Workers also won a 400 percent increase in the night shift differential, the extra pay provided to employees for hours worked on overnight shifts. More than 70 percent of the bargaining unit will benefit from the increase.
“This contract addresses the issues we identified as priorities from the start of bargaining,” said Ryan Just, a worker at Kemps and steward with Local 471. “We stayed united, focused on what mattered most, and got a contract that will make a real difference for us and our families. We’re proud of what we accomplished together.”
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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