#United States #Bronx #Perrigo #Teamsters Local 210

Bronx Teamsters Celebrate Victory After Successful Strike at Perrigo

After enduring a challenging two-week strike, members of Teamsters Local 210 at Perrigo's Bronx production facility have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract. This victory marks a significant milestone for the workers, ensuring that their rights and benefits are protected in the challenging landscape of labor negotiations.

The new contract was ratified with an impressive majority, reflecting the unity and resolve of the Teamsters throughout the strike period. Key elements of the agreement include safeguarding overtime pay, securing retirement benefits, and significant wage increases—all achieved without any concessions made by the workers. The recent actions taken by Perrigo management, which included threats to implement 12-hour shifts and withdraw from the workers’ established retirement plan, sparked heightened tensions and motivated a determined response from the union members.

During the picketing, Teamsters received crucial support from various community figures and elected leaders, which played a vital role in the strike's outcome. Notable supporters included Senator Chuck Schumer, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who publicly advocated for the rights of the workers. The presence of these leaders emphasized the collective stand against corporate pressures and highlighted the union's strength in solidarity.

Lydia Torres, Vice President of Teamsters Local 210, expressed immense pride in the members’ solidarity, stating, "These Teamsters proved that when you stand together, you can beat back threats and win." Many workers shared a sense of satisfaction and relief, looking forward to resuming their duties with their futures more secure.

The community's involvement was instrumental, with many local activists and politicians rallying behind the workers during the strike. Joshua Viera, a 31-year veteran at Perrigo, noted, "We are thankful for the incredible support from the Bronx community and for the enhanced strike benefits provided by the International Union. We are looking forward to getting back to work.”

By emphasizing the power of unity and community backing, the Teamsters Local 210 highlights a crucial lesson in labor rights—standing firm can lead to significant victories against corporate practices that undermine worker well-being.

As Perrigo workers, including compounders, clerks, line operators, mechanics, and technicians prepare to return to work, they do so under a renewed sense of confidence, knowing their rights are protected under the newly ratified agreement. Teamsters Local 210 represents thousands of workers across various sectors in New York, standing as a testament to the power of organized labor in demanding fair working conditions.

This victory at Perrigo is not just a win for the employees but serves as a rallying cry for workers everywhere, affirming the principle that collective action and solidarity can indeed lead to successful outcomes in labor negotiations.

For more details about the Teamsters and their activities, you can visit ibtlocal210.org.