Teamsters
Teamsters Union Endorses Connected Vehicle Security Act
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters are urging lawmakers to support the Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026, introduced by Senators Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.). The legislation would ban vehicles connected to outside networks if they are manufactured by China or other foreign adversaries, including driverless cars and trucks.
“Make no mistake – China is aggressively trying to enter the American market so it can undercut American workers, eliminate good union jobs, and weaken our manufacturing base,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “We cannot allow any technology that could be used for surveillance or data collection by a foreign adversary onto our roads or into our workplaces.”
In addition to banning connected vehicles, the legislation would prohibit their related components, empower the Department of Commerce to identify high-risk technologies, and establish enforcement mechanisms to keep them out of domestic markets.
“Our elected officials can’t sit by while this threat grows,” O’Brien said. “We commend Senators Moreno and Slotkin for taking decisive action before it is too late. We urge lawmakers in both parties to pass the Connected Vehicle Security 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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Teamsters at Beverage Market in West Virginia Launch Unfair Labor Practice Strike
(CHARLESTON, W. Va.) – A group of nearly 50 workers at the Beverage Market in Charleston W. Va., have been forced to strike over the company’s bad faith bargaining. The members of Teamsters Local 175 are fighting for a fair contract without concessions.
“The Beverage Market has been playing games with our members, and they will no longer stand for it,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “These workers make this company the success that it is and deserve a contract that honors their worth. We will continue to support this group and urge the Beverage Market to come to the table and negotiate a fair deal.”
The drivers, helpers, and warehouse workers overwhelmingly authorized a strike earlier this month. The Beverage Market services over 1,900 customers statewide and is the sole distributor for Miller-Coors products in several counties throughout West Virginia.
“It’s disturbing that Miller would allow this distributor’s disgusting behavior to negatively impact its market share in West Virginia,” said Luke Farley, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 175. “This company has treated these negotiations like a joke and their unreasonable concessionary demands show a fundamental lack of respect for these members and their families.”
“This job is how I have provided for my family for 17 years,” said Ken Samms, a shop steward and driver at the Beverage Market. “I want to retire from this place, but management is trying to take that away. My fellow Teamsters and I don’t want to strike, but the company’s aggressive corporate greed has given us no choice. We will continue to fight to keep and secure our hard-earned benefits.”
Teamsters Local 175 represents thousands of members in the great states of West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia. For more information, go to teamsters175.org.
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Breakthru Beverage Workers in St. Louis Launch ULP Strike
(ST. LOUIS) – More than 100 drivers and warehouse workers have walked off the job and launched an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Breakthru Beverage in St. Louis. The members of Teamster Locals 600 and 688 are demanding the company come to the table to negotiate a fair contract without illegal regressive proposals and surface bargaining.
“This company has been dragging their feet and refusing to put a fair agreement on the table,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Our members don’t want to strike, but Breakthru has given them no choice. Teamsters nationwide are on alert and ready to support their brothers and sisters in St. Louis and Cicero.”
Like their Breakthru brothers and sisters in Cicero, Ill., management is demanding that members waive their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line at their work location. The union will never agree to a contract that fails to include this critical protection.
“Our members are united because they know their worth,” said Chris Tongay, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 688. “These workers show up every single day and help drive this company’s success. They deserve fair wages, strong protections, and a contract that reflects the standards Teamsters have fought to build. We will support our members for as long as it takes.”
“It is clear management at Breakthru realizes how strong Teamsters solidarity is at facilities around the country,” said John Kelting, President of Local 600. “They are trying everything to delay negotiations and get workers to agree to waive their legal rights. We will remain on the picket line until management agrees to a fair deal.”
Local 600 drivers organized in September 2025 and are fighting for a fair first contract.
“We’re standing shoulder to shoulder for a strong agreement,” said Travis Radetic, chief shop steward and a receiving clerk at Breakthru. “A strong deal is nothing without picket line protection to defend members. We are demanding the company give us what we deserve.”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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Drivers at Flowers Foods Ratify First Contract
(MODESTO, Calif.) – Workers at Flowers Foods in Modesto, Calif., have voted to ratify a strong first agreement, becoming the first group to organize and win a union contract at the company nationwide. The 12 members of Teamsters Local 948 secured increased wages, Teamsters health care, and retirement benefits.
“This is a vital win for workers at bakery giants like Flowers Foods,” said Tim Parolini, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 948. “The leadership and dedication of the workers delivered results at the bargaining table that will build the foundation for good wages, safety on the job, health care, and retirement benefits for every unit that organizes in the bakery division across the Teamsters Union.”
Flowers Foods is the second largest bakery producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods in the United States. Some of the bakery giant’s brands include Wonder, Nature’s Own, Dave’s Killer Bread, Simple Mills, Butternut, and Great Grains.
“This is a great first win at Flowers Foods. With the support of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference and our organizer Mike Pratt, we are looking forward to carrying the momentum of this contract ratification forward to organize other depots across Joint Council 7,” said Chris Zent, a business agent with Local 948.
“The strength of Teamsters solidarity on our side was critical,” said Steve Fernandez, a shop steward and member of Local 948. “This is a pivotal moment for thousands of Flowers workers across the country. When workers are unified, we win.”
Teamsters Local 948 represents thousands of workers across Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Merced, and Stanislaus Counties across various industries, including cannery and food processing.
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Pepsi-Cola Workers in Georgia Join Teamsters
(JONESBORO, Ga.) – Over 30 workers at the Pepsi facility in Stonecrest, Ga., have voted to join Teamsters Local 528. The sales representatives organized for fair wages, stronger workplace protections, and respect.
“We are proud to welcome these new members to the Teamsters,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “This win follows a string of organizing wins at Pepsi facilities in Georgia. These workers are a determined group, and they know they deserve more than they are currently getting.”
“This strong and dedicated group remained focused and were not willing to be deterred from their goal of becoming Teamsters. We have great momentum at this company and look forward to supporting this group as they fight for a fair first contract,” said Donnie Newell, a Business Agent with Local 528.
After the workers marched on the boss to express their desire to form a union, the company tried to step in and asked for a year to make improvements. The workers were not fooled by the offer and remained committed to forcing real change at their workplace.
“We felt that we couldn’t put our trust in the company, so we came together as a team to help everyone understand the benefits of joining the union,” said Alfred Kitchens, a 29-year sales representative at Pepsi. “We couldn’t be happier that we were able to work not only as coworkers but now as family to win this election. We are excited to go on to fight for a strong Teamster contract.”
Local 528 represents thousands of working men and women throughout the state of Georgia. For more information, please visit teamsterslocal528.org.
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Breakthru Beverage Teamsters in Illinois Launch ULP Strike
(MOKENA, Ill.) – Over 115 drivers at Breakthru Beverage in Cicero, Ill., have been forced to strike over the company’s unfair labor practices (ULP). The members of Teamsters Local 710 are fighting to stop the company’s unlawful behavior.
Additionally, management is demanding that members waive their lawful right to not cross or work behind a Teamsters picket line at their work location. An agreement without this language would diminish bargaining strength and is a non-starter for the union.
“Breakthru has been interrogating our members and failing to negotiate an acceptable agreement,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Protection of rights language gives our members the right to honor strikes without the fear of being disciplined. We will never agree to a contract that doesn’t include this critical protection.”
“This company is trying to manipulate our members into accepting concessions when all they had to do was treat workers with respect and dignity,” said Del Schaefer, President of Local 710. “Breakthru management must listen to us at the table, or they will continue to hear our voices loud and clear on the streets.”
“Management has been trying all of their tricks to get us to give up our legal protections,” said Brian Hill, a steward and 22-year driver at Breakthru Beverage. “Members see through these tactics and have had enough. We are ready to show how strong Teamsters solidarity is by fighting for a fair contract and our right to honor picket lines.”
Teamsters Local 710 represents thousands of workers from a range of industries throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. For more information, go to Teamsters710.com.
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Teamsters Secure Contract at Smithfield Foods
(SMITHFIELD, Va.) – More than 300 members of Teamsters Local 822 in Smithfield, Virginia, overwhelmingly ratified a strong new contract with Smithfield Foods. The workers produce ham and bacon products sold nationwide under Smithfield-owned brands that include Armour, Gwaltney, and Eckrich.
Under the contract, workers will receive a 12 percent wage increase, along with back pay. The deal also blocks proposed health care cost increases and guarantees pay during certain non-disciplinary absences.
“This contract is proof that when workers stand together and say ‘no’ to a bad deal, they can force real change,” said James Wright, President of Teamsters Local 822 and Vice President At-Large of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “Our members rejected a contract that didn’t meet the moment, stayed united, and came back with something stronger. This agreement sets a new standard at the Smithfield facility.”
The contract also ends a long-standing practice that forced workers to use their breaks due to mechanical breakdowns during the first hour of their shift — a key issue on the shop floor. Additionally, it establishes a Maintenance Training Program Subcommittee to expand training opportunities and ensure skilled trades workers are fairly compensated.
“We weren’t going to settle for less than what we’ve earned,” said Michele Putnam, a 22-year worker at Smithfield Foods and member of Local 822. “We stuck together and made sure this contract reflects the work we do every day. This will give us more stability on the job and more security for our families.”
Teamsters Local 822 represents over 3,000 workers across the Tidewater Area working in a variety of industries. For more information, visit www.teamsters822.com.
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DHL Teamsters Ratify Contract
(WASHINGTON) – DHL Teamsters have voted by a 92 percent margin to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The new contract was secured following a credible strike threat that would have involved thousands of DHL Teamsters across 26 locals around the country.
“DHL Teamsters were prepared to take action and hold management accountable if they failed to deliver,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Our members were ready to shut this company down if it failed to live up to its obligations, and management knew it. That leverage delivered serious wage increases, locked in strong job protections, and made it clear that Teamsters will not allow technology to undermine our rights or livelihoods.”
The new four-year agreement includes a 20 percent wage increase, higher health and welfare contributions, and critical job protections. It also establishes robust safeguards against AI-driven routing systems that undermine seniority and explicitly prohibits the use of autonomous vehicles that threaten Teamsters jobs.
“We made it clear to management from Day One that we were ready to act if the company didn’t deliver,” said Alex Perez, a DHL delivery driver and member of Teamsters Local 745. “That unity is what won this contract. It raises the bar across the board and gives us the protections we need moving forward.”
The DHL Teamsters National Master Agreement protects thousands of workers nationwide and was set to expire on March 31. With a looming strike threat, the Teamsters national negotiating committee reached a tentative agreement less than 24 hours before the contract was set to expire.
“This agreement demonstrates exactly what happens when our members are organized and prepared to take action,” said Bill Hamilton, Director of the Teamsters Express Division. “The company knew we were serious, and the result is a contract that delivered real gains and protects our work into the future.”
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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Recology Teamsters Win Historic Contract
(TUKWILA, Wash.) – Nearly 400 Recology workers represented by Teamsters Local 174 in Washington state have voted by an overwhelming 95 percent margin to ratify an historic contract.
The new agreement contains more than 90 provisions that will directly improve workers’ quality of life. Highlights include raises up to 43 percent, pension increases of $5 an hour, additional paid time off, greater seniority rights, and improved workplace safety standards.
“All of us here at Recology are proud to have taken part in negotiating such a strong contract. This agreement is going to make it so much easier to get by,” said Tim Simpson, a Recology worker and devoted member of Local 174. “Our entire unit was ready to do whatever it took to get a fair agreement that reflects and rewards our hard work. Our success is all thanks to the involvement of our brothers and sisters, the commitment of our rank-and-file negotiating committee, and our close coordination with Local 174.”
Recology is a $1 billion sanitation company headquartered in San Francisco. The Teamsters Union proudly represents more than 2,000 Recology workers across the West Coast.
“This is one of the best contracts Local 174 has ever produced. It is the direct result of the engagement of the members and the planning and process that we worked together to outline ahead of this successful campaign,” said Rick Hicks, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 174. “Recology knew the members were willing to put up a fight to get the deal they have earned and deserved. Every single person who helped negotiate this agreement should be proud of their relentlessness and tenacity. That was key to us getting such a strong contract over the finish line.”
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 the Brookfield Zoo Chicago Launch ULP Strike
(CHICAGO) – More than 100 members of Teamsters Local 727 at the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS), doing business as the Brookfield Zoo Chicago, have launched an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. All members, except for animal care specialists, walked out at 5 a.m. this morning. The animal care specialists will join the strike line once the essential care plan for the animals has been finalized.
On Friday, May 1, the zoo confirmed that its plan to provide an alternative, comparable health care plan for the members was not true. Management acknowledged that they are not proposing any heath care plan to replace the current union health care that would not be available under the company’s last, best, and final offer.
“It’s clear that management is trying to slow roll an agreement on a plan for the animal care specialists to provide essential care to the animals during a work stoppage. This is a blatant attempt to interfere with these members’ lawful right to strike,” said John Coli, Jr, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 727. “While we work to plan for the animals to be cared for, our other members at the Zoo will hold down the strike line. We urge the public not to visit Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Not only are we asking for support for our ULP strike, but many of the animals will not be on exhibit and there will be no custodial or maintenance staff on site. We have urged the zoo to close to the public until an agreement is reached.”
In a good faith effort to settle the contract, the union bargaining committee presented a full and comprehensive offer. The zoo ended negotiations, rejecting the union’s offer without presenting a counterproposal.
Teamsters Local 727 represents nearly 10,000 hardworking men and women throughout the Chicago area. For more information, go to teamsterslocal727.org.
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