Teamsters
Kilcoy Global Foods Workers Join Teamsters
(MUNDELEIN, Ill.) – Over 140 workers at Kilcoy Global Foods in Mundelein, Ill., have voted overwhelmingly, 127-4, to join Teamsters Local 301.
“This is a huge victory for the hardworking men and women at Kilcoy Global Foods,” said Michael Haffner, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 301. “A big thank you to our organizing team led by Netza Rodriguez and the workers at Kilcoy for staying together. Local 301 is ready to stand alongside our brothers and sisters as they negotiate a first contract.”
Workers at the facility process and package meat and various protein products for major retailers such as Costco and Trader Joe’s.
“Standing your ground against multibillion-dollar companies isn’t easy,” said Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division. “From Kilcoy to DFA to Nestlé, we are seeing the same thing. Workers deserve respect, fair treatment, and a real voice on the job — and Teamsters will fight to secure those basic rights.”
These new members are now ready to negotiate their first contract that will provide them with better wages, benefits, and workplace conditions.
“Every product that leaves this plant reflects the hard work and skill we bring to our jobs,” said Clemente Trejo, a worker at the Kilcoy facility and member of Local 301. “We know that we play a significant role in feeding families across the country. We just want a contract that reflects our value and allows us to feed our children, too.”
Teamsters Local 301 represents more than 1,200 workers throughout Northeast Illinois. For more information, visit teamsters301.org.
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DC Teamsters, Labor Coalition Demand City Council Reject Anti-Worker Waymo Bill
(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters were joined by members of Service Employees International Union 32BJ and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 in testifying at a hearing today to demand Washington, D.C. councilmembers oppose Bill 26-0684, the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Deployment Authorization Amendment Act. The legislation would allow fully driverless robotaxis, including those owned by Waymo, to operate in the District of Columbia.
“We’re calling on the city council to reject B26-0684 because the so-called ‘guardrails’ in this bill fail to protect workers, and this legislation doesn’t benefit anyone outside of Silicon Valley billionaires,” said Bill Davis, President of Teamsters Local 639. “It is yet another example of Big Tech companies trying to steamroll cities into changing laws to accommodate them, and it comes at the expense of middle-class professional drivers and anyone else who wants safer streets in our city.”
AVs remain unpopular with voters and legislation to legalize them has failed to pass in every state where it’s been introduced this year, including Illinois, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Washington, and neighboring Maryland and Virginia.
“Driverless cars would be a disaster for someone like me,” said Demani Petron-King, a member of Local 639. “This job is how I provide for my family, pay my bills, and have amazing health care. We can’t call driverless vehicles progress when they will hurt so many communities. The well-being of people like me should not be the price our society pays for innovation.”
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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22,000 University of California Teamsters Ratify Strongest Contract Ever
(OAKLAND, Calif.) – After 10 months of intense bargaining, Teamsters Local 2010 members in the statewide Clerical and Allied Services (CX) bargaining unit at University of California (UC) have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement. The CX unit is made up of more than 22,000 clerical workers and administrative professionals at all UC campuses and medical centers throughout the state of California.
“This agreement is better than anything we’ve ever dreamed of and is the best deal I have seen in 28 years as a member of the CX unit,” said Toni Mendicino, an administrative officer 2 at UC Berkeley and Local 2010 steward. “This sets a standard for public employers across the country and is incredibly meaningful for us — the lucky clericals, childcare workers, and cashiers — who make the UC succeed!”
The new contract provides unprecedented economic gains and benefits protections, including an immediate seven percent raise retroactive to July 1, a $1,500 lump-sum ratification payment, compounded raises totaling an average of 37 percent over the five years of the agreement, and a longevity bonus. The contract also contains numerous other improvements, such as stronger caps on increases to workers’ health care premiums, employer-provided subsidies for certain health plans, caps on parking fee increases, an additional paid personal day for all workers, and three additional days of bereavement leave.
“This historic contract represents the strongest collective bargaining agreement in the history of the CX unit,” said Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 2010. “We won by standing together as Teamsters and building our union into a powerhouse for workers’ rights. Congratulations to all our members and our elected bargaining team for their strength and determination. When we fight, we win!”
Teamsters Local 2010 represents 28,000 hard-working employees at the University of California system, California State University system, and the Los Angeles Unified School District. We are affiliated with the 1.3 million members of the Teamsters Union across the United States and Canada. Learn more at teamsters2010.org.
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Vestis Teamsters Launch ULP Strike in Indianapolis
(INDIANPOLIS) – Workers at Vestis, represented by Teamsters Local 135, have launched an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike. The 29 route sales support and route sales representatives were forced to strike after the company threatened workers for engaging in protected concerted activity — rights that are guaranteed under the National Labor Relations Act.
“Vestis Teamsters are tired of being disrespected by their employer,” said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. “Instead of negotiating, management has already hired temporary replacement workers. When a company chooses to rely on inexperienced scabs instead of addressing its unfair labor practices and bargaining in good faith, everyone pays the price.”
In addition to fighting back against the company’s unlawful behavior, workers are striking for fair pay and benefits that honor the hard work they put in every day.
“I’ve worked at Vestis for 10 years, and we’ve had enough,” said Jay White, a route sales representative for Vestis and Local 135 Chief Steward. “Management threatened workers for exercising our protected rights while pushing a nearly cost-neutral contract. We deserve better, and we’ll stay on the picket line until this company stops violating our rights, bargains in good faith, and addresses our issues and concerns.”
Teamsters Local 135 represents over 12,000 members in over a dozen Teamsters divisions. The local’s mission is to organize for the strongest contracts possible, hold companies accountable, and ensure that workers’ voices are heard. For more information, go to local135.com.
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Ready-Mix Drivers at Heidelberg Materials on Unfair Labor Practice Strike
(PITTSBURGH) – Concrete ready-mix drivers represented by Teamsters Local 249 at the Heidelberg Materials Pittsburgh Concrete Plant have been forced out on an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike after the company refused to bargain in good faith during negotiations.
Local 249 has represented members at the company for over 30 years. The unit of 11 ready-mix drivers is on the picket line after the company failed twice to offer a fair contract that addresses issues such as first-year pay, health care, and pensions. Heidelberg Teamsters have also faced retaliation for refusing to agree to the company’s concessionary offers.
“These drivers are responsible for all of Heidelberg’s ready-mix operations in Allegheny County, yet the company has shown them nothing but disrespect during negotiations,” said Kevin Schmitt, President of Local 249. “Heidelberg Teamsters will not rest until the company returns with a contract that reflects the value our members bring to work every single day.”
Drivers at Heidelberg Materials have raised concerns about the company’s insistence on cutting union work rules in favor of corporate policies in the agreement. Contract language drivers are fighting against includes weaker seniority provisions, fewer worker protections against disciplinary action, and less union input on inward-facing cameras that film drivers on the job.
“Rather than bargain with us fairly, Heidelberg Materials is forcing us to strike to protect our livelihoods as Teamsters,” said Slava Barvik, a 19-year driver at Heidelberg Materials and member of Local 249. “We will not throw away work rules our union has negotiated over three decades just because the company wants us to. Heidelberg needs to stop with the games and come back to the table to bargain with us seriously.”
Heidelberg Teamsters will remain on the picket line until the company ends its unfair labor practices and returns to contract negotiations in good faith.
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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Ohio Conference of Teamsters Announce 2026 Congressional Endorsements
(AKRON, Ohio) – Today, the Ohio Conference of Teamsters announced its endorsements in Ohio’s 2026 congressional races, backing Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) for the U.S. Senate and a bipartisan slate of candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives who have demonstrated their commitment to workers’ rights and advancing the Faster Labor Contracts Act (FLCA).
The Conference endorsed for the U.S. House of Representatives Greg Landsman (D-1st District), Joyce Beatty (D-3rd District), Michael Rulli (R-6th District), Max Miller (R-7th District), Marcy Kaptur (D-9th District), Mike Turner (R-10th District), Shontel Brown (D-11th District), Emilia Sykes (D-13th District), David Joyce (R-14th District), and Mike Carey (R-15th District).
“We’ve endorsed this bipartisan coalition of candidates because they’ve proven they’re willing to take on Corporate America and advocate on behalf of our members in Congress,” said Pat Darrow, President of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters. “We don’t care about party affiliation — we care about whether our elected officials will empower workers and create middle-class union jobs. The majority of voters throughout our state feel the same way.”
Brown has spent decades fighting for Teamsters in Ohio and across the country. He successfully led the legislative battle to protect earned pension benefits for Teamsters retirees, introduced the bipartisan Railway Safety Act, and stood shoulder to shoulder with Teamsters on the picket line and at the bargaining table. If elected, Brown has committed to co-sponsoring the Faster Labor Contracts Act in the Senate.
Every incumbent candidate endorsed by the Ohio Conference of Teamsters voted for the Faster Labor Contracts Act in June. The Teamsters-backed bill which would become the strongest labor law in decades, streamlining the bargaining process for newly organized workers to secure their first union contract.
“The FLCA is a make-or-break issue for our endorsement, and this slate of candidates is committed to getting it across the finish line,” Darrow said. “We look forward to helping elect them in November.”
The Ohio Conference of Teamsters represents over 50,000 workers throughout the state. For more information, go to ohioteamsters.org.
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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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