Teamsters
Northeast Beverage Teamsters Ratify Strong First Contract
(NEW HAVEN, Conn.) – Teamsters at Northeast Beverage in Orange, Conn., have overwhelmingly ratified their first contract. The 33 drivers voted for Teamsters representation with Local 443 in September 2025.
“These drivers won a strong contract that reflects the hard work they put in every day,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Their commitment to securing their first contract should be commended and gives me hope for what can be built here. We are just getting started.”
“The strength and solidarity of this group made this contract possible,” said Salvatore J. Abate, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 443. “Our members negotiated a great deal that protects their rights and gives them the security they deserve. This is an agreement that they can continue to build upon for years to come.”
The five-year agreement includes a 30 percent wage increase, improved paid time off, and Teamsters health care and pension benefits. Northeast Beverage Corporation is a subsidiary of the Mancini Company, which has distribution facilities throughout New Jersey, New York, and New England.
“All of us drivers came together for this fight, and we are proud of the contract we won,” said Raheem Jefferson, a member of Local 443 and 12-year driver at Northeast Beverage. “Now we have a roadmap and know where our futures, and our families’ futures, are headed.” Teamsters Local 443 represents over 3,500 working men and women in the New Haven and Litchfield Counties. For more information go to teamsterslocal443.com.
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Amazon Drivers at DAX7 Facility Organize with the Teamsters
(LOS ANGELES) – Over 100 Amazon drivers at the DAX7 facility in Los Angeles marched on their bosses today, demanding the employer recognize them as members of Teamsters Local 396 and bargain a union contract. The drivers are organizing to address Amazon’s low pay, punishing delivery quotas, and dangerous working conditions.
“The movement to unionize Amazon grows stronger every day because of courageous workers like the drivers at DAX7,” said Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. “Amazon will claim that these drivers don’t work for them, but that is a lie. Amazon Teamsters will not rest until they get the respect and contract they have earned.”
“Nobody sacrifices more and receives less than Amazon workers,” said Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396 and Teamsters Western Region International Vice President. “These workers break their backs for this multitrillion-dollar company. This is a fight for the future of the logistics industry, and we could not be more excited to welcome DAX7 drivers to the Teamsters.”
DAX7 is one of the most important Amazon last-mile facilities in the country. The drivers are the latest at Amazon in Southern California to unionize with the Teamsters, joining workers in Victorville, City of Industry, Palmdale, San Bernardino, and Riverside. They join over 10,000 Amazon warehouse workers and drivers nationwide leading the charge to unionize the e-commerce giant.
“Amazon is the richest company on the planet, but we can’t even afford to live near our jobs,” said Sara Venegas, a three-year driver at the DAX7 facility. “This company pays us next to nothing, offers us no benefits, and then lies that we are not its employees. We are done with their games. We are proud to be joining thousands of other Amazon Teamsters in the toughest union in America.”
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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Connecticut Passes Teamsters-Backed Warehouse Worker Protection Law
(HARTFORD, Conn.) – Teamsters are celebrating after Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed the Warehouse Worker Protection Bill into law earlier this week.
“It was a multi-year fight by Connecticut Teamsters to get this bill passed, but we don’t back down from tough fights — we win them,” said Rocco Calo, Teamsters International Vice President for the Eastern Region and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 1150 in Stratford. “This is an extraordinary victory for the safety and prosperity of warehouse workers throughout our state.”
The new law regulates dangerous, high-surveillance, data-driven warehouse management systems like those used by Amazon. It prevents employers from imposing warehouse productivity quotas that force workers to compete against one another, interfere with legally mandated breaks, increase the likelihood of on-the-job injuries, or remain hidden from employees.
The legislation also contains unique enforcement mechanisms, allowing warehouse workers to sue employers who encroach on their new rights under the law. The Connecticut Attorney General can also now take civil action on behalf of multiple workers if their employer commits violations.
“This law will put an end to the race to the bottom in the warehousing industry, which is driving sky-high injury rates at Amazon and other bad employers,” Calo said. “We thank Senate President Martin Looney, State Sen. Julie Kushner, Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, State Rep. Manny Sanchez, and Gov. Lamont for their strong support of workers. They have shown real courage by passing this critically important law.”
Connecticut is the first state in New England to pass Warehouse Worker Protection legislation and the sixth nationwide. The Teamsters fought for and passed similar legislation in California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon.
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 Workers in Minnesota Join Teamsters
(ST. PAUL, Minn.) – Over 200 workers at St. Paul Beverage, a facility owned by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), have voted to organize with Teamsters Local 471 — uniting to win stronger wages, better benefits, and a voice on the job.
“The workers at St. Paul Beverage showed incredible courage and determination throughout this campaign,” said Lyndon B. Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 471. “They came together, stood strong, and made their voices heard.”
The victory marks one of the first major organizing wins under the Teamsters’ national neutrality agreement with the dairy co-op.
“This is a significant victory for workers who exercised their rights to organize free from interference and intimidation by their employer,” said Jesse Case, Director of Teamsters Food Processing Division. “DFA recognizes the rights of workers to organize and other dairy companies, like Nestle, need to follow suit and leave antiquated anti-worker policies behind.”
Workers at the Minnesota facility bottle, package, and prepare dairy products for distribution to grocery stores and customers throughout the Upper Midwest.
“This group was determined, and nothing would stop them from becoming members of the strongest union in the world,” said James Matiatos, a 23-year maintenance mechanic at St. Paul Beverage. “This is an exciting time for us as we finally have a voice. We are honored to be Teamsters.”
Teamsters Local 471 represents workers across Minnesota across industries, including dairy processing, warehousing, and distribution. For more information, go to local471.com.
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Drivers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Join Teamsters
(SPRINGFIELD, Mo.) – Drivers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Springfield, Mo., have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 245. The 20 drivers are seeking better benefits, seniority rights, and strong workplace protections.
“The Teamsters continue to make historic strides at Southern Glazer’s facilities nationwide,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “Each organizing victory inspires others to seek union representation. We are ready to support this group of workers as they set the industry standard with a fair first contract.”
“We are proud to welcome these drivers to the Teamsters,” said Bryan Emory, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 245. “Working together with Joint Council 56 and Local 245, they remained focused throughout the entire organizing process. We look forward to working with our new members as they bargain for the respect they deserve.”
Since 2023, more than 1,000 workers at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits — including the drivers in Springfield — have chosen Teamsters representation. This location marks the 69th Southern Glazer’s facility nationwide to organize with the Teamsters.
“We voted to join the Teamsters to ensure consistent treatment and equal standards for every driver, not just a select few,” said Terry Neal, a member of Local 245 and 8-year driver at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “Our goal is to eliminate favoritism and to implement transparent policies that apply to everyone equally.”
Teamsters Local 245 proudly represents over 2,100 workers in Missouri. For more information, go to teamsters245.com.
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Illinois Teamsters Demand Lawmakers Oppose Driverless Car and Truck Expansion
(CHICAGO) – Following an announcement by Waymo that it will be mapping Chicago streets, Illinois Teamsters are calling on state lawmakers to join them in opposing the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act (IL SB3392/HB5103). The legislation would harm middle-class jobs and jeopardize motorist safety by allowing driverless car and truck companies like Waymo to unleash untested and dangerous products on Illinois roads within the next three years.
A recent poll of Illinois voters by Impact Research found broad opposition to autonomous vehicles (AVs) throughout the state. According to the January 2026 statewide survey:
– Nearly two-thirds of voters oppose allowing any driverless cars or trucks on Illinois roads.
– 78 percent of voters oppose allowing driverless heavy trucks to operate in the state.
– A majority of voters identified public safety and the risk to human life as their top concern regarding AVs.
The polling reflected similar sentiment in New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced she was dropping her effort to legalize robotaxis in parts of the state. New York City officials have not indicated they will extend Waymo’s testing permit, which expires at the end of month.
“These vehicles are being rushed onto our streets without any consideration for the millions of workers they could displace or safety standards that the public demands and deserves,” said Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “It’s no surprise driverless cars and trucks are deeply unpopular. We urge lawmakers to join us in fighting for our communities and our livelihoods.”
Public opposition to AVs has intensified amid a string of incidents involving Waymo. In recent months, its robotaxis have faced scrutiny for illegally passing school buses, causing traffic congestion throughout San Francisco after a power outage, operating aggressively following a software update, striking a child, and most recently blocking an ambulance that was responding to a mass shooting.
Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 125,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana.
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Teamsters Fight Against Henry Ford’s Illegal Replacement of Nurses
(GRAND BLANC, Mich.) – Henry Ford Genesys Hospital management refused to accept Teamsters Local 332’s return-to-work agreement that would protect nurses’ seniority and allow 750 experienced nurses to returnto their jobs.
Instead of reinstating skilled Teamsters nurses, Henry Ford is prioritizing inexperienced replacement workers, prolonging the monthslong unfair labor practice (ULP) strike, and continuing to violate federal labor law.
“Henry Ford Genesys Hospital is treating Teamsters nurses like they are disposable,” said Dan Glass, President of Local 332. “These are professionals who gave years — even decades — to this hospital. These attacks are blatantly illegal, and it’s long overdue for the National Labor Relations Board to do its job and protect these nurses’ statutory right to return to their positions.”
Nurses have been on strike since Sept. 1, 2025, after Henry Ford violated numerous labor laws and attempted to gut their contract. The hospital’s refusal to sign a standard return-to-work agreement is blocking nurses fromreclaiming their legally protected positions, voting on a new contract, and getting back to caring for their patients.
“I’ve dedicated 23 years to this hospital and management is trying to erase all of our work,” said Carolyn Clemons, a specialty care nurse. “We won’t stand for their illegal attacks — and we expect the NLRB to hold them accountable.”
“Teamsters nurses at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital have the full backing of the International Union,” said Peter Finn, Director of the Teamsters Public Services and Health Care Division. “All 1.3 million members of North America’s strongest union are prepared to continue supporting our brothers and sisters at Henry Ford for as long as it takes.”
Founded in 1933, Teamsters Local 332 represents working people in Flint, Michigan. For more information, visit teamsters332.com.
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DHL Express Teamsters Authorize Strike
(WASHINGTON) – Thousands of Teamsters at DHL Express have voted by a 96 percent margin to authorize a strike if the logistics giant fails to present a fair contract by March 31. Teamsters have made clear to DHL management that all supplemental bargaining must be completed before a national agreement can be signed, and there will be no contract extensions.
“DHL should be on notice that they need to start moving quickly to complete the supplements and present an acceptable contract offer,” said Bill Hamilton, Director of the Teamsters Express Division. “Our members will not work a day past the expiration of our current agreement. If DHL fails to deliver, Teamsters at the company are prepared to take action.”
The current DHL Teamsters National Master Agreement covers thousands of workers across 26 local unions in 16 states. With the agreement set to expire on March 31, Teamsters are demanding timely completion of all supplements and a national contract that raises standards, strengthens working conditions, and protects hard-earned benefits.
“We take tremendous pride in the work we do every day and want to avoid a strike,” said Patrick Hughes, a driver at DHL Express and a member of Teamsters Local 2785 in San Franscisco. “But this overwhelming vote shows we are united and ready to do whatever it takes to secure a fair agreement.”
In 2023, more than 1,100 Teamsters at DHL’s global hub at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) were forced to strike over the company’s unfair labor practices. Picket lines extended across the country, disrupting DHL’s operations during the busy holiday season. The nationwide strike ultimately compelling DHL to correct its unlawful conduct and reach an acceptable agreement.
“This wouldn’t be the first fight Teamsters have waged to win the contract they deserve,” said Rick Marquis, a driver at DHL Express and a member of Teamsters Local 25 in Boston. “Just like our brothers and sisters at CVG proved in 2023, we are ready to stand up and win. DHL must give us a fair contract before March 31, or we will be on the picket 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 Statement Regarding Kroger’s Anti-Worker Agenda
(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, regarding Kroger’s illegal and unethical behavior that is undermining good-paying Teamsters jobs nationwide:
“Kroger has declared open war on the Teamsters and the union workforce that built this company. The Teamsters are prepared to do whatever is necessary to preserve, protect, and defend the thousands of members we represent at Kroger and its third-party partners.
“After its reckless merger attempt with Albertsons collapsed under public scrutiny and regulatory opposition, Kroger showed the country exactly who it is. That failed merger was never about helping consumers — it was about consolidation, market control, and cutting costs at the expense of workers and communities. The company was willing to close facilities, eliminate Teamsters jobs, and weaken competition to grow corporate power.
“Now, following the sudden departure of former CEO Rodney McMullen amid personal misconduct allegations, new CEO Greg Foran — a former Walmart executive — is doubling down on the same anti-worker strategy. Kroger is advancing plans to replace hardworking, skilled union workers with low-wage, nonunion labor supplied by third-party contractors, many of the same companies long used by Walmart to drive down wages and undermine labor standards.
“This is not a coincidence. It is a calculated shift toward the Walmart model of outsourcing, subcontracting, and squeezing workers to boost short-term returns for Wall Street investors. The failed merger and this new insidious plan have made clear that Kroger is willing to hurt working families and communities across America to increase corporate profits. The Teamsters will not stand by while executives attempt to dismantle middle-class union jobs.
“If Kroger continues down this path, it will face serious consequences. We will use every legal, contractual, and economic tool available to defend our members and protect Teamsters jobs across the country.”
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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Bay Area Teamsters Demand Accountability from Waymo Following Blackout Disaster
(SAN FRANCISCO) – Today, Teamsters Joint Council 7 was joined by Service Employees International Union Local 1021 and the International Association of Firefighters Local 798 at a press conference outside San Francisco City Hall calling for good jobs and safe streets.
The press conference was followed by a hearing before the Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee, where Waymo was compelled to testify about its operational failures during a widespread power outage in December.
During the outage, Waymo vehicles froze in place, causing significant traffic jams and public safety threats. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) blocked first responders and delayed firefighters who were responding to the electrical substation fire that caused the blackout.
“Waymo’s excuses about why fire trucks continue to be blocked en route to emergencies, or what will happen to the workers they are trying to displace will persist until we force real change,” said Peter Finn, Teamsters Joint Council 7 President and Co-Chair of Teamsters California. “We must continue demanding guardrails and accountability from AV companies while they roam free on our streets, threatening public safety and middle-class jobs.”
Since 2022, when Waymo was first approved to operate without a human driver in California, threats to public safety grow by the day. A child was struck by a Waymo outside of his school, and another one killed a Bodega cat in San Francisco. AVs also have a history of driving through construction zones and active crime scenes. In Texas, over the weekend a Waymo blocked an ambulance that was responding to a mass shooting. Waymo has consistently put workers, firefighters, police officers, and the public at risk.
“We are in the streets every day, navigating steep, narrow roads to keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. AVs continually cause route disruptions that delay garbage and recycling collection,” said Quentin Booker, a member of Teamsters Local 350 and sanitation driver in San Francisco. “Waymos shouldn’t be impeding hardworking Teamsters from doing their jobs.”
This year, Teamsters Joint Council 7 will advance a bold legislative package that prevents the threat of dangerous AVs to public safety, protects workers, and ensures that our state’s economic growth benefits everyday Californians — not just corporate executives and shareholders.
Teamsters Joint Council 7 represents more than 100,000 members in 20 local unions across Northern California, the Central Valley, and Northern Nevada. Our members work in freight and delivery, construction, dairy, beverage, rail and ports, food processing, parking, solid waste and recycling, hotels, student transportation, public services, and many other industries. For more information, go to teamstersjc7.org.
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