Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries Achieve Major Contract Improvements for Workers in New York

In a significant victory for labor rights, over 150 workers employed at various facilities under the Bimbo Bakeries USA banner in the New York region have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract. This collective agreement is seen as a notable win, offering enhanced wages and benefits to the dedicated workforce.

Workers at Bimbo, Stroehmann, and Sara Lee facilities located in Bayshore, Long Island; Maspeth, Queens; Stamford, Connecticut; and Goshen, New York, have voiced their priorities and made it clear that they sought a strong and fair agreement. Demos P. Demopoulos, the Secretary-Treasurer for Teamsters Local 553, noted, "Our members were focused and determined to win the strongest possible agreement. They made their priorities clear and stuck to their demands, securing a deal that honors their hard work."

The new three-year contract was ratified by an impressive 3-to-1 margin among members of Local 553. It includes significant increases in pay, better commissions, and higher merchandising pay. Furthermore, the agreement brings several new perks, including holiday pay, a paid birthday, and an additional three paid personal days.

Local 553 Director Jeff Padellaro echoed the pride in securing this strong contract, emphasizing the commitment of the Teamsters who represent over 7,000 workers at Bimbo Bakeries and its subsidiaries. "We will continue to fight to get our members the contracts they deserve," Padellaro stated.

Long-time Local 553 steward and driver Mark Arnau expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "We stood together and won a strong Teamsters contract that's one of the best we've ever had. I'm proud to be a Teamster and to have a strong union that represents and looks out for its members."

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, advocates for the rights of 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. As labor movements gain traction, this contract signals not only a win for the employees at Bimbo Bakeries but also a bolstering of workers’ rights across the nation.

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