#United States #Las Vegas #Teamsters #Kroger #Local 14

Kroger Warehouse Workers Unite with Teamsters Local 14

In a significant move towards better labor conditions, over 120 warehouse workers at Kroger in Las Vegas have overwhelmingly voted to join Teamsters Local 14. This decision reflects a growing trend of workers across various sectors uniting to seek enhanced working conditions and benefits. The workers, who organized under the Teamsters to push for their rights, now stand ready to enter negotiations for a contract that promises improved wages, job security, better working conditions, and comprehensive retirement benefits.

Rodney Underwood, a warehouse worker who was part of this organizing effort, voiced the sentiment of many when he stated, "We joined the Teamsters because it's time we receive the protections, pay, and benefits we deserve." This enthusiasm among the new members of Local 14 illustrates their eagerness for the opportunities that union representation could provide.

The Kroger workers in Las Vegas are not isolated in their efforts. They now join the ranks of thousands of Kroger employees nationwide who have decided to unionize. Earlier this year, for instance, 289 drivers at Kroger's fulfillment center in Romulus voted by a three-to-one margin to join Teamsters Local 337. This was soon followed by drivers in Forest Park, Georgia, who overwhelmingly voted—by 96 percent—to join Teamsters Local 528.

Jason Gateley, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 14, emphasized the importance of this victory, stating, "This is a tremendous victory, and we're proud to welcome these workers to Local 14. We’re ready to fight for a first contract that delivers the wages, benefits, respect, and dignity these hardworking Teamsters have earned." Gateley’s statement underlines the collective resolve of the Teamsters to advocate for their members passionately.

Tom Erickson, the Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, summarized the larger momentum building within the company and the warehouse industry as a whole. He stated, "Kroger workers know that the only way to achieve fair treatment, strong protections, and a voice on the job is by becoming Teamsters." This statement reflects both the commitment of the Teamsters to representing their members and their broader strategy to continue organizing more workers at Kroger.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters now represents 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The union has a long history of advocating for workers' rights, continually seeking to empower their members through collective bargaining and other initiatives.

This recent development in Las Vegas signifies a shift for Kroger warehouse workers who are seeking not just better pay, but a full range of benefits and job security that can come with union representation. As negotiations loom, the expectations among the workers are high, and their solidarity gives them confidence in their bargaining power.

In the broader context, the decision of Kroger workers to unionize is indicative of a resurgence in labor movements across various industries, highlighting how workers are prioritizing their rights and seeking equality in the workplace. The success of this unionization effort could serve as a catalyst for similar actions in other sectors, demonstrating the significant potential of organized labor in advocating for fair working conditions and respect for employees.

As action plans are set in motion for negotiations, the collective spirit of these workers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in determining the outcomes of the coming discussions. By standing united under Teamsters Local 14, the Kroger warehouse workers have taken a bold step toward a more equitable workplace, marking an important moment in their fight for better conditions and recognition in the labor force.