Teamsters
Ascend Wellness Teamsters Win Biggest Cannabis Strike in U.S. History
(BARRY, Ill.) – More than 300 workers at Ascend Wellness’s grow house in Barry, Ill., overwhelmingly ratified their first contract with Teamsters Local 916 and ended a 30-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike that was the largest in the history of the legal cannabis industry.
“This victory belongs to the men and women at Ascend who stood together and refused to accept anything less than a fair contract,” said JP Fyans, President of Local 916. “Our members showed tremendous courage and determination throughout this fight. Their solidarity compelled Ascend to deliver on pay, benefits, and protection of union rights.”
Teamsters at the grow house are responsible for every stage of production, from cultivation and processing to packaging and distribution, for one of the largest multistate cannabis companies. The contract includes higher wages, lower health care costs, protection against unjust discipline, improved policies for paid time off, and a new process for settling disputes.
“Cannabis workers are building a powerful movement across this industry, and this strike demonstrates what can be achieved when workers stand together and fight back,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “This contract sets a new and improved standard for cannabis cultivation and manufacturing workers across the country.”
“What our members did on the strike line was extraordinary,” said Kyle Bollinger, Vice President of Local 916. “For 30 days, they stood shoulder to shoulder and their courage forced Ascend to bargain a fair contract. This strike sends a clear message to cannabis companies that workers who drive their profits deserve to be treated with respect.”
“We went on strike because we knew the value of our work, and we knew we deserved better,” said Cory Hill, an Ascend cultivator and member of Local 916. “This contract proves that by refusing to give up, workers can win the respect, job security, and opportunities we deserve.”
Teamsters Local 916 represents more than 4,000 workers throughout Illinois from Chicago to Carbondale and East Saint Louis to Champaign. For more information, visit teamsters916.org.
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Republic Services Teamsters Unanimously Authorize Strike
(BUCKEYE, Ariz.) – Republic Services workers represented by Teamsters Local 104 have unanimously voted to authorize a strike.
The group joined the Teamsters early this year to bargain for a first contract that guarantees them respect on the job. Shortly after their strike authorization, they were also forced to file an unfair labor practice charge against the company.
“We unionized with the Teamsters because this company refused to give us the respect we deserve,” said Daniel Freitag, a steward and two-year Republic worker. “Treatment from management has only gotten worse as we’ve tried to bargain in good faith for a first agreement. It’s unacceptable. If they want a fight, they’re moving in the right direction.”
These Teamsters operate Republic’s Buckeye Landfill, located just outside the multibillion-dollar waste hauler’s corporate headquarters in Phoenix. Their facility serves a range of municipalities, including Maricopa and Buckeye.
“Our members will not stand for Republic’s bullying and mismanagement,” said Karla Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 104 and Teamsters International Vice President for the Western Region. “These workers want nothing more than to clock in and be treated and compensated fairly. They will not settle for anything less. They’ve made that clear with this unanimous strike authorization vote. The ball is in Republic’s court.”
Last year, Republic forced hundreds of rank-and-file Teamsters across the country on strike. Republic has admitted that its management-induced work stoppage cost the company’s shareholders $50 million.
“These courageous workers do not stand alone. The entire 1.3 million-member Teamsters Union is behind them 100 percent,” said Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “We hoped Republic learned its lesson last year. But if they want to try their luck against the Teamsters again, they know where to find us.”
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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Illinois Teamsters Resume Endorsements
(SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) – Teamsters Joint Council 25 is going to resume considering candidates for political endorsements for the 2026 election cycle.
The decision comes after productive meetings with state lawmakers regarding progress on pro-union legislative proposals for the remainder of the year. Following a disappointing regular session that concluded in May, the union had previously suspended campaign contributions, grassroots mobilization, and all other forms of political support for Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois state lawmakers.
“Based on our conversations with political leaders in Springfield, we expect significant progress on our legislative priorities when elected officials reconvene this fall,” said Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “Our members and their families are expecting results, and they’ll be watching what happens at the state capitol very closely.”
Illinois Teamsters are demanding passage of bills that would require safe patient-nurse staffing ratios, protect warehouse workers from dangerous and unsustainable production quotas, create a tax deduction for union dues, and perhaps most critically, extend unemployment insurance to workers who are forced out on strike.
Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana. For more information, go to teamstersjc25.com.
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Workers at South Dakota State Penitentiary Join Teamsters
(SIOUX FALLS, S.D.) – Maintenance workers at the South Dakota State Penitentiary have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 120.
“We didn’t fold when DOC administration tried to intimidate us with meetings and high-level pressure — we stood our ground,” said Chris Pick, a maintenance worker at the South Dakota State Penitentiary and new member of local 120. “We were done being ignored and done working without a real, enforceable contract. So, we took a stand, stuck together, and won our vote. We’ve earned better, and we’re done settling for less. That’s why we joined North America’s strongest union. We’re proud to be Teamsters — and we’re ready to fight for the contract we deserve.”
The new Teamsters work at the largest prison in the state of South Dakota and are responsible for the upkeep of the facility and handling repairs, while ensuring the highest level of safety and security.
“Working at a Level IV correction facility is no easy task,” said James Heeren, a business agent at Local 120. “These workers’ labor is essential to prison operations — and now, as Teamsters, they will have a collective voice to ensure they are treated as so by management. We look forward to getting them the strongest possible contract and continue organizing workers across South Dakota.”
Teamsters Local 120 proudly represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, go to teamsterslocal120.org.
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North Dakota DFA Teamsters Authorize Strike
(FARGO, N.D.) – Over 100 members of Teamsters Local 120 at Cass-Clay Creamery in Fargo, N.D., have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as they fight for fair wages, better health care, a pension, and a variety of worker protections.
Cass-Clay Creamery’s Fargo facility is part of Dairy Farmers of America’s (DFA) broader dairy network, making this a fight for a fair contract against one of the country’s largest dairy cooperatives.
“These workers keep Cass-Clay Creamery running and make sure families across the region have the dairy products they rely on every day,” said Kevin Saylor, Vice President of Local 120. “They are demanding a contract that respects their hard work, protects their health care, and provides the wages and job protections they deserve. If DFA refuses to get serious at the negotiating table, our members are ready to strike.”
Teamsters at Cass-Clay produce, package, and ship dairy products distributed throughout North Dakota and surrounding communities, including fluid milk and Stonyfield yogurt pouches. In addition to health and welfare provisions, workers are looking for successor language, a grievance and arbitration process, and improved strike language.
“We are proud of the work we do, but pride does not pay the bills or cover expensive medical costs,” said Matt Hussel, a Cass-Clay Creamery worker and member of Local 120. “We want to continue providing for our community, but we need DFA to recognize our value and negotiate a fair contract. This vote shows we are serious, united, and prepared to stand our ground.”
Teamsters Local 120 proudly represents over 15,000 workers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. For more information, visit local120.org.
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2,000 Contra Costa County Teamsters Overwhelmingly Authorize a Strike
(MARTINEZ, Calif.) — More than 2,000 Contra Costa County workers, represented by Teamsters Local 856, are prepared to walk off the job if a new agreement cannot be reached after voting by over 90 percent to authorize a strike. The members work in more than 250 classifications, serving the public throughout the county in health services, general services, maintenance, and licensed vocational nursing and aides.
“Contra Costa County has consistently lagged behind neighboring jurisdictions when it comes to compensation,” said Matt Finnegan, Director of Public Services and Chief Negotiator for Local 856. “We are simply asking the county to implement a long-term plan that addresses these inequities to ensure that the best qualified workers can afford to serve the public. We’re hopeful we will reach an agreement and avert a strike that would impact services countywide.”
The overwhelming strike authorization vote comes after months of negotiations where Teamsters urged the county to adopt a fair compensation structure that prioritizes equity and values the people who provide critical services. The contract expired on June 30.
Negotiations with county officials are set to resume on July 28.
Founded in 1949, Teamsters Local 856 is affiliated with the 1.3 million-member International Brotherhood of Teamsters and has grown to become one of the largest Teamsters locals in California with over 20,000 members. For more information, visit teamsters856.org.
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US Foods Teamsters Unanimously Ratify First Contract
(CLEVELAND) – US Foods warehouse workers, represented by Teamsters Local 507, have voted unanimously to ratify a first Teamsters contract. The group of 70 workers secured a 17 percent wage increase, fully employer-paid Teamsters health care, and improved working conditions.
“Our members organized because they wanted better wages, improved benefits, and greater security on the job, and that is exactly what they won in this contract,” said Dan Chavez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 507. “As Teamsters, these workers secured an agreement that will make a real difference for them and their families.”
Workers at US Foods in Cleveland voted to join the Teamsters last year. In addition to the increased wages and benefits, the newly organized members secured expanded vacation time, a guaranteed 40-hour work week, and increased holiday pay.
“Becoming Teamsters gave us the power to advocate for what we deserve and win the wages and benefits thousands of other US Foods Teamsters already have,” said Lamonte Washington, a warehouse worker at US Foods and a Local 507 member. “This agreement delivers the improvements we organized for, and we’re proud to finally have the protections and security of a strong union contract.”
US Foods has a market capitalization of over $21 billion, making it one of the largest and most profitable food service distributors in the country. The Teamsters Union represents more than 5,500 US Foods workers nationwide. US Foods Teamsters represented by Local 507 deliver to customers across the Cleveland area, supplying hundreds of local restaurants, major universities, and hospital systems.
“Every organizing victory and every strong contract increases our leverage at US Foods,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “Teamsters across the country are using that collective strength to win substantial wage increases, strong benefits, and better working conditions. We are going to keep organizing workers at US Foods and continue to raise standards across this company.”
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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Las Vegas Teamsters at Vestis Authorize Strike Over Unfair Labor Practices
(LAS VEGAS) – Workers at Vestis’ Las Vegas facility have voted unanimously to authorize an unfair labor practice strike if the company fails to end its illegal behaviors and hold local management accountable for the treatment of employees. The workers, members of Teamsters Local 14, are calling on Vestis’ senior leadership to engage directly and in good faith before the dispute escalates further.
“For more than a year, Teamsters have faced threats, harassment, intimidation, and disrespect from a service manager at the Las Vegas facility that has created a hostile and unsustainable work environment — and it must stop immediately,” said Jason Gateley, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 14. “In one specific example, a Teamster says he was denied permission to leave to be at the hospital for the birth of his child. We have raised these concerns repeatedly through the chain of command — before this contract expired on May 1 and again at the bargaining table — but regional management has failed to acknowledge the seriousness of the conduct.”
Last week, Local 14 filed an unfair labor practice charge against Vestis over alleged threats of retaliation against workers for engaging in union activity. The local union has said it will continue to pursue charges and lawful workplace action as long as the company’s conduct interferes with workers’ rights and violates the National Labor Relations Act.
Workers are demanding that upper management take the concerns seriously, meet directly with Local 14 and worker representatives, review the conduct at the Las Vegas facility, and commit that no worker will be retaliated against for raising concerns or taking part in protected activity. Vestis Teamsters have had a long-standing, positive relationship with their employer and want that relationship to continue — but only if the company restores a safe and respectful workplace.
Teamsters Local 14 represents workers across Las Vegas and Southern Nevada, fighting for fair contracts, safe workplaces, and respect on the job. Visit Teamsters14.com for more information. Follow us on Instagram @Teamsters_14, on X @14Teamsters, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Teamsters14.
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Penske Teamsters Ratify Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Agreements
(WASHINGTON) – Members of Teamsters Locals 79, 512, 528, 541, 618, and 769 at Penske have voted to ratify the Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements. The new four-year contracts include 15 percent general wage increases, additional employer contributions to the Teamsters 401(k), no increase in health care costs for the first two and a half years, and an extra paid holiday.
“Penske doesn’t run without the hard work of our members,” said Rocco Calo, Director of the Teamsters Industrial Trades Division. “This contract not only recognizes the importance of Teamsters at Penske but incentivizes other Penske workers nationwide to get what they deserve and join the Teamsters. We are proud to have secured such strong agreements for Penske Teamsters in the Southern Region.”
In addition to the gains made in the regional master agreements, local unions are also covered by supplemental agreements which include compensation and work rules specific to their location. Local 618 voted to reject their local addendum and will return to the bargaining table in August.
“This new contract is a big win for us and our families,” said Chad Patton, a Penske Teamster and Local 79 steward in Florida. “For the next four years we obtained regular pay increases, kept our health insurance affordable, and added a new paid holiday. In today’s economy it’s unheard of. This is a huge win for us, and as Teamsters, we are committed to building a stronger future together.”
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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Southern Glazer’s Workers in South Carolina Join Teamsters
(WASHINGTON) – A group of 110 workers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in South Carolina have joined the Teamsters via the card check process.
The Class A drivers, Class B drivers, driver leads, non-CDL drivers, yard hostlers, warehouse associates, warehouse custodians, and warehouse associate leads will be represented by Local 509.
“These workers have seen what their brothers and sisters at Southern Glazer’s facilities across the country have gained through their Teamsters representation and knew they deserved the same,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “We are ready to work with this group to negotiate a strong first contract that honors their hard work.”
With the addition of this facility, the Teamsters have organized over 5,000 Southern Glazer’s workers nationwide. Under the card check process, Southern Glazer’s workers in South Carolina chose Teamsters representation by signing authorization cards.
“This victory shows what’s possible when workers make their voices heard and show the power of standing together,” said Brian Clardy, President of Local 509. “We are proud to welcome these new members into our union and look forward to building a stronger future alongside them.”
“Management told us for years that we were the best from a production standpoint, but we never saw the real benefits from it,” said Lyrone Harrison, a warehouse worker and member of Local 509. “We were underpaid and taken advantage of, and something had to be done about it. We are proud to be Teamsters and are ready to fight for a better 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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