By Sloan Wilson, The Chicago Times
June 23, 2022
SALEM, VA – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has threatened work stoppages as contract negotiations with US foods become contentious.
According to a press release by the Teamsters “Workers at a growing number of US Foods Distribution Centers throughout the East Coast are considering the possibility of walking off the job following an increasing number of unresolved labor contracts.”
Teamsters at these locations claim US Foods “violated” federal labor laws with illegal terminations, unilaterally changing working conditions and negotiating in bad faith with Teamsters officials.
“Unfair labor practices and unsettled contracts are not the way to thank your essential workers. Local leaders across the country have told me their members have had it with the way US Foods treats them.” said Tom Erickson, Teamsters International Vice President and Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division.
“We aren’t going to be afraid to strike. If the members at those locations choose to stand up for their rights and withhold their labor, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters will have their backs.” said Sean M. O’Brien, Teamsters General President.
US Foods is one of the largest foodservice distributors in the US with approximately $24 billion in annual revenue. US Foods offers more than 350,000 products and employs approximately 25,200 people in more than 70 locations across the US. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.
“We look forward to returning to the bargaining table on the dates agreed upon by union representatives to continue negotiating in good faith to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that provides our hard-working associates with competitive wages and benefits. We have a strong record of good-faith bargaining with unions and respecting the law and negotiations process. Although we remain confident in our ability to reach an agreement and continue fulfilling our shared responsibility to serve our valued customers, we do have contingency plans in place to help manage potential disruptions.” US Foods released in a statement.
According to the Teamsters, they are prepared for a work stoppage over wages, benefits, and working conditions.
The Chicago Times 