Teamsters
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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Teamsters Land Industry-Leading Deal at United Airlines
(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union has reached an agreement in principle with United Airlines (UA) on a new contract for more than 11,000 mechanics and related employees nationwide, delivering a major victory after nearly two years of relentless bargaining and member-led contract action. The full bargaining committee, made up of UA business agents and rank-and-filers, voted 19-to-12 to recommend the agreement in principle to members for ratification.
The victory secures industry-leading wage increases and clear job protections, accelerates progression to top pay from eight years to five, and delivers a $54 million signing bonus upon ratification, which will provide payments of $5,000 to each member. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters fully recommends ratification of this agreement.
The contract breakthrough follows an aggressive campaign by the Teamsters Union. Throughout bargaining, Teamsters fought for an industry-leading agreement that reflects members’ critical work maintaining one of the largest airline fleets in the world and keeping millions of passengers safe.
“For nearly two years, Teamsters at United stared down a multibillion-dollar corporation and demanded a contract worthy of their skills and the huge profits they generate,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Our members took on one of the biggest airlines in the world and won. This agreement will raise the bar for every airline worker in America. The Teamsters standard just went up again. We are proud to recommend this powerful, industry-leading contract.”
The new agreement in principle secures significant gains for members, including:
A $54 million signing bonus upon ratification
Industry-leading wage increases
An accelerated wage progression to top-of-scale pay
Two-year extension of the Retiree Bridge Medical Plan
Expedited grievance and arbitration process
The Teamsters UA committee will finalize language and provide members with final details as soon as possible. Once a tentative agreement is complete, members will have the opportunity to review the full contract and vote for ratification.
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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Yankton County Sheriff’s Deputies Vote Unanimously for Teamsters Representation
(YANKTON, S.D.) – Sheriff’s deputies in Yankton County, South Dakota, have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 120.
“Those who protect and serve our communities deserve the protection of a strong union,” said James Heeren, a business agent at Local 120. “The Teamsters Union proudly represents more than 26,000 law enforcement and public safety workers nationwide and is well-positioned to negotiate the best possible contract for Yankton County sheriff’s deputies. With a unanimous vote to become Teamsters, they will now have the backing of 1.3 million brothers and sisters.”
The sheriff’s deputies organized so they can have a greater say in the workplace over issues that impact them and the community members they serve.
“We wanted representation and a seat at the table so we could have a voice in the decisions that affect us,” said Austin Schuller, a sheriff’s deputy and new member of Local 120. “We chose the Teamsters because they’re the strongest union in North America. Now our voices will be heard, and we’ll stand together for the respect and fairness we deserve.”
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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Maryland Teamsters Launch Strike at Verbal Beginnings
(ROCKVILLE, Md.) – Workers at Verbal Beginnings in Rockville, represented by Teamsters Local 639, have been forced onto the picket line by their employer’s refusal to bargain a fair first collective bargaining agreement. The 33 workers serve as registered behavioral technicians and provide early intervention and other services to children on the autism spectrum.
“Teamsters at Verbal Beginnings provide essential, highly skilled services that families in this community depend on every day,” said William Davis, President of Local 639. “These workers show up for vulnerable children in one of the country’s most expensive counties, and they deserve a contract that recognizes their dedication, skill, and sacrifice.”
The workers voted overwhelmingly last year to join the Teamsters and have been fighting for a fair first contract ever since. Key issues in negotiations include wages and the company’s attempt to eliminate their 40-hour work week.
“First and foremost, we are fighting for the wellbeing of the kids we work with,” said Collin Johnson, a registered behavioral technician and member of Local 639. “Every one of us cares deeply about the work we do, and we just want to be fairly compensated and respected in order to be able to serve our community to the best of our abilities.”
Teamsters Local 639 has represented workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia since 1934. For more information, go to teamsters639.com.
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Rhode Island Teamsters Endorse Dan McKee for Governor
(EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I.) – Today, Teamsters Local 251 endorsed Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee’s re-election campaign.
“We support candidates who we know will keep their word to us, and when it comes to that standard, the choice in this race couldn’t be more obvious,” said Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 251. “Rhode Islanders need to know that if they care about workers’ rights, middle-class prosperity, and electing leaders who will listen to workers instead of billionaires, there’s only one good option, and that’s Governor McKee.”
Since taking office in 2021, McKee has been one of the most pro-Teamsters governors in the country. He has signed legislation banning mandatory attendance at anti-union propaganda meetings, preventing abusive production quotas in warehouses, and creating the first-ever statewide prevailing wage for school bus workers.
“Governor McKee understands something simple. When you respect the people who get our children to and from school every day, you create better, safer student transportation systems,” said Denise Handley, a school bus attendant for Ocean State Transit and Local 251 shop steward.
In addition to Gov. McKee, Rhode Island Teamsters are endorsing Sabina Matos for Lieutenant Governor, Jack Reed for U.S. Senate, Gabe Amo and Seth Magaziner for Congress, Gregg Amore for Secretary of State, and James A. Diossa for General Treasurer.
Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,200 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, go to teamsters251.org.
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