Teamsters
Boston Tow Tugboat Teamsters Win Strike
(BOSTON) – Teamsters Local 25 members at Boston Towing and Transportation Company ratified a new contract, ending their eight-day strike. The group of engineers, mechanics, and operators run tugboats that help ships including the USS Constitution navigate Boston Harbor.
“I’m proud of our Boston Tow members, who stuck together through last week’s heat wave and a long holiday weekend, holding down the picket line 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Tom Mari, President of Local 25. “There was never a doubt in my mind we would win, because Local 25 is always united. This victory is a testament to the quiet, unstoppable power of sticking together and refusing to settle for less.”
The workers ratified a new contract that includes improved wages, better working conditions, and 100 percent employer-paid union health insurance. The conclusion of the strike prevents potential issues at Sail Boston, a maritime festival where more than 50 large ships and military vessels will travel through Boston Harbor.
Teamsters Local 25 is New England’s largest union in greater Boston with 13,000 members. The union is part of the Teamsters Joint Council 10, which represents Teamsters across New England. For more information, visit teamsterslocal25.com.
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Bazooka Teamsters Ratify Strong Contract
(SCRANTON, Pa.) – Over 60 workers at Bazooka’s Ring Pop facility in Moosic, Pa., represented by Teamsters Local 229, have ratified a strong new contract. The three-year agreement delivers a 15 percent wage increase, more affordable health care, improvements to the Teamsters pension plan, a stronger vacation structure, increased shift differentials, and enhanced profit-sharing language.
“This contract is a major win for the hardworking men and women at Bazooka,” said Joe Secor, Vice President and Business Agent of Local 229. “Their labor is crucial to producing Ring Pops, one of the company’s most iconic products. I’m proud of the unity and determination this group showed throughout negotiations.”
Teamsters at the Bazooka facility perform critical work across production, maintenance, shipping, packaging, and quality control operations that keep the business running and products moving to customers nationwide.
“I’ve been at this plant for over 20 years, and I’m glad we were able to secure such a strong contract,” said Bernie Hoover, a worker at Bazooka and steward with Local 229. “This is going to make a real difference for us and our families. It’s a proud moment for all of us who have built our lives around this work and in this town.”
Headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Teamsters Local 229 represents over 1,000 members in a half dozen industries across Northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information, visit teamsters229.org.
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Teamsters Statement on Dairy Farmers of America’s Anti-Competitive Behavior
(WASHINGTON) – The following is a statement from Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, regarding the Dairy Farmers of America’s (DFA) decision to shut down its St. Albans, Vt., processing plant, creamery, and supply store:
“Dairy Farmers of America is shutting down its St. Albans facility and eliminating good union jobs in what appears to be retaliation against members of Teamsters Local 597, who were forced to strike last year after the company refused to negotiate a fair contract.
“This closure is not an isolated business decision. It is the result of a broader strategy by DFA to consolidate market share and power across the dairy industry by taking control of processing facilities, absorbing local cooperatives, locking down supply, and extending its reach into hauling and distribution. By controlling more of the path from the farm to the grocery store, DFA has narrowed the options available to farmers, weakened competition, and increased its leverage over workers and small towns across the country.
“When one company gains that kind of control over processing, transportation, and supply, it can dictate terms throughout the industry. This leads to fewer independent alternatives for local farmers, less competition, and cuts to union jobs in dairy communities like St. Albans.
“DFA has benefited from the Northeast’s dairy economy while tightening its grip on the infrastructure that keeps that economy moving. Now it is walking away from St. Albans and forcing workers, their families, and the community to pay the price. This is not a side effect of market consolidation — it is a direct attack on good union jobs across the dairy industry.
“The Teamsters are closely reviewing DFA’s actions and are prepared to pursue every available avenue to push back against its anti-competitive and anti-worker agendas. Companies that abuse their power at the expense of working people will be held accountable.”
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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Workers at Highline Warren Join Teamsters
(GLEN DALE, W.Va.) – A group of 201 drivers and warehouse workers at Highline Warren in Glen Dale, W. Va., have voted to join Teamsters Local 697. The workers organized for higher wages, better benefits, and stronger workplace protections.
“We’re proud to welcome these workers as the newest members of Teamsters Local 697,” said Rick Bauer, President of Local 697. “They took a stand for the workplace standards they deserve, and we will continue fighting with them at the bargaining table to secure a strong first contract.”
Workers at Highline Warren manufacture and distribute automotive maintenance and consumable products. The company distributes products for major brands including Kimberly-Clark, Philips 66, 3M, Chevron, and Shell Rotella.
“I know firsthand the difference unions can make, and I’m thrilled we were finally able to organize with a union as strong as the Teamsters,” said Dorothy Cook, an 18-year worker at Highline Warren and member of Local 697. “As Teamsters, we will fight for the wages, benefits, and respect we deserve.”
The Glen Dale facility is one of 12 Highline Warren distribution centers across the U.S. The organizing victory is the first Teamsters win at the company and establishes a strategic foothold in Highline Warren’s national distribution network.
“The Teamsters are organizing warehouse and logistics everywhere, and West Virginia is no exception,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “Every organizing victory strengthens our union and expands our ability to take on corporate America.”
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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O-AT-KA Teamsters Secure Strong Contract
(BATAVIA, N.Y.) – A group of 338 workers at O-AT-KA Milk Products in Batavia, N.Y., represented by Teamsters Local 118, have ratified a strong five-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract delivers wage increases up to 46 percent, improves health care benefits, and increases retirement funding.
“This contract is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by our negotiating committee and the entire unit,” said Tim Barbeto, President of Teamsters Local 118. “Our members made it clear that they deserved a contract that protected their quality of life and recognized the essential work they do for the company.”
Members at O-AT-KA help manufacture and package dairy-based products and ingredients for customers nationwide, including ready-to-drink beverages, evaporated milk, butter, milk powders, and other dairy products.
“These are the best raises that we’ve seen since I began working here,” said Russ, a 30-year worker at O-AT-KA and member of Local 118. “This contract will make a real difference for our families, especially with the cost of living continuing to rise. It also shows what we can accomplish as Teamsters when we stay united throughout the bargaining process.”
Teamsters Local 118 proudly represents over 5,000 workers across upstate New York and in Northern Pennsylvania. For more information, go to teamsters118.com.
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Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries Ratify Strong New Agreement
(BALDWIN, N.Y.) – A group of 200 Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries have ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The route sales professionals, route riders, field merchandising representatives, and utility drivers are employed by Entenmann’s and S.B. Thomas, brands under the Bimbo umbrella.
“Through their consistent bargaining and strong solidarity, this determined group was able to close their deal without a strike and win an excellent agreement,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “This contract shows what Teamsters can achieve when we refuse to back down. Our members should be proud of this accomplishment.”
“The Teamsters committee and our members were tenacious in their approach to solidifying the best contract possible,” said James Shannon, President of Teamsters Local 802. “This group stuck together, and because of that they have obtained an impressive agreement.”
The new six-year agreement includes an up to 40 percent wage increase, more employer-paid contributions toward health care, a uniform allowance, and a raise in pay for holidays, sick days, and personal days. The contract also includes a no layoff clause for the first year of the agreement.
“By standing united we secured a powerful contract that truly recognizes our dedication,” said David Halwick, a route sales professional at Entenmann’s for 34 years and a shop steward. “This agreement delivers concrete improvements, especially for our newer members.”
Teamsters Local 802 represents bakery drivers and food production workers in New York and New Jersey. Local 802’s major employers include Entenmann’s, S.B Thomas, Frito-Lay, and Krasdale Foods. For more information, visit www.ibt802.org.
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Southern ReadyMix Drivers in Georgia Join Teamsters
(LUTHERVILLE, Ga.) – In a historic vote, 70 concrete ready-mix drivers for Southern ReadyMix have joined Teamsters Local 528, becoming the first group of concrete truck drivers to unionize in Georgia in 25 years. The drivers provide concrete services to residential properties and businesses in Metro Atlanta and across the state of Georgia.
“We could not be prouder of Southern ReadyMix drivers for having the courage to join the Teamsters,” said Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “They have proven once again that if construction industry workers want the best chance at building a livelihood, the only way to go is with the Teamsters.”
“Southern ReadyMix Teamsters overcame an intense anti-union campaign from the company and have shown that solidarity will always beat lies and misinformation,” said Chuck Stiles, Representative of Teamsters Local 528. “We look forward to bargaining a first union contract that recognizes the hard work and dedication Southern ReadyMix drivers bring to the job every single day.”
The newest members of Local 528 joined the Teamsters in search of higher pay, fair work rules, and better health care for their families.
“I voted to become a Teamster because one person can be ignored, but united workers can’t be denied,” said Tony Johnson, a Southern ReadyMix driver and new member of Local 528. “If Southern ReadyMix tries to ignore us now, we will have the full power of the Teamsters behind us. We can’t wait to get to the bargaining table to win our first Teamsters contract.”
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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Penske Teamsters in Florida and Missouri Authorize a Strike
(WASHINGTON) – Ahead of a June 30 contract expiration, Penske workers represented by Teamsters Locals 79, 512, 541, 618, and 769 have taken an overwhelming strike authorization. The nearly 250 Penske Teamsters are covered by the Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements.
“Penske is a multibillion-dollar corporation that can more than afford to offer Teamsters a fair contract,” said Rocco Calo, Director of the Teamsters Industrial Trades Division. “Penske is trying to place the costs and burdens of their mismanagement onto the backs of Teamsters by denying them fair wage increases, proposing pension freezes, and rejecting a fair attendance system they already have in place. Teamsters won’t stand for it, and this strike authorization should make that abundantly clear to Penske leadership.”
In addition to making insulting proposals, Penske has engaged in illegal, regressive bargaining with the most recent example happening today when they significantly changed the health care proposal that both parties had already tentatively agreed to.
“The fact the company already agreed to our current health care and then shows up this morning and proposes drastic changes to it is a complete slap in the face,” said Mike Schanuth, a Penske Teamster from Local 541 and member of the bargaining committee. “It’s long past due for our employer to get serious. The clock is ticking.”
Negotiations are scheduled to continue through June 30. If an agreement is not reached, Teamsters at Penske will be forced to strike.
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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Snohomish City Workers Ratify Strong Teamsters Agreement
(SNOHOMISH, Wash.) – Workers in the City of Snohomish, represented by Teamsters Local 763, have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The public works and office technical employees maintain critical infrastructure, provide essential utility services, keep roads safe, and care for the parks and public spaces that residents rely on every day.
“Our members were clear from day one: they would not accept cuts to their retirement security or fall further behind while continuing to provide essential public services,” said Chad Baker, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 763. “They organized, they spoke out, they stood together, and they won. This contract proves what workers can accomplish when they refuse to back down and fight for the respect, wages, and benefits they have earned. I could not be prouder of the solidarity and determination shown by this bargaining unit.”
The three-year agreement provides wage increases, preserves existing health care benefits, and increases contributions to the Teamsters Pension Fund, ensuring a more secure future for City of Snohomish workers and their families.
“I would like to express my appreciation to the city’s new administration for engaging in negotiations with an open mind and a genuine willingness to listen to staff concerns,” said Joe Palmer, a shop steward in the public works department. “Through clear communication and a collaborative approach, we were able to reach a new Teamsters contract that aligns with the goals of both the city and its staff.”
Teamsters Local 763 has proudly represented workers in city governments, school districts, emergency response services, funeral homes, and public agencies for over 86 years. For more information, go to teamsters763.org.
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Workers at Bert Nash Center Join Teamsters Local 696
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) – 253 workers at the Bert Nash Center in Lawrence beat back their employer’s union-busting campaign and voted to organize with Teamsters Local 696. After marching on the boss in May, Bert Nash management launched a six-figure union-busting campaign to deter workers from joining the Teamsters.
“Hundreds of thousands of dollars were no match for the determination of these workers to become Teamsters,” said Mike Scribner, President of Local 696. “We are thrilled to announce this victory and excited to get to work to negotiate the strongest possible contract for these new Teamsters.”
Workers at the Bert Nash Center were previously organized but unable to secure a contract. As health care workers who provide critical behavioral health services, they deserve the protections of a strong union contract.
“I truly believe being Teamsters is going to help us have a seat at the table, to help Bert Nash strive for excellence, and most importantly, to empower us to provide the best possible care for our community and our clients,” said Amy Munsterman, a licensed practical nurse at the Bert Nash Center.
Teamsters Local 696 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Northern Kansas, including UPS workers, public employees, school bus drivers, sanitation workers, and more. For more information, go to teamsters696.com.
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