UNFI Warehouse Workers Celebrate First Strong Contract after Overwhelming Vote in Texas

UNFI Warehouse Workers Celebrate First Strong Contract

In a landmark decision, members of Teamsters Local 745 at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Lancaster, Texas, have overwhelmingly ratified their inaugural contract with the union. This momentous agreement promises substantial benefits for the workers, including a 23 percent wage increase, access to Teamsters health care, a defined benefit pension plan, and robust job protections.

Laqurria Marshall, a devoted warehouse employee and participant in Local 745, expressed her enthusiasm saying, "This contract is going to change our lives for years to come. We organized because we wanted better wages, affordable health care, and real retirement security. By standing together as Teamsters, we secured all of that and more." This contract represents the culmination of the workers’ efforts to improve their working conditions through collective bargaining.

The significant ratification came after the UNFI warehouse workers decided to join Teamsters in December 2025, following a successful organizing effort that previously saw drivers at the same Lancaster facility unionizing. With this new contract, the distribution center now operates entirely under Teamsters representation, marking a significant shift in labor relations within the facility.

Brent Taylor, the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Teamsters Southern Region International Vice President, commended the workers for their persistence. "Our members at UNFI fought hard and stayed united from Day One. This agreement proves what workers can accomplish when they fight together as Teamsters. We promised these workers we would fight to win the wages, benefits, and protections that they deserved, and that is exactly what we delivered." This statement highlights the collective spirit and strength that collective bargaining can embody.

UNFI has become a pivotal distributor for Amazon-owned Whole Foods, which emphasizes the importance of supporting and protecting workers within the food distribution sector. Since the beginning of 2022, more than 3,500 UNFI employees across the nation have rallied to join the Teamsters, swelling the organization’s membership to over 5,500 nationwide. Newly organized workers at various UNFI facilities continue to triumph in achieving strong first contracts, which raise the standard of living for workers in the industry.

Tom Erickson, the Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, stated that this victory is a testament to the power of union membership. "We are continuing to win strong contracts at UNFI and across the entire food distribution industry. This victory in Texas is another example of the power workers have as members of our union," he said in a statement reflecting on the larger significance of these labor victories.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has been a cornerstone for labor rights since its founding in 1903, advocating for the policies and protections for workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. With 1.3 million members, the Teamsters continue to fight for the rights of hardworking individuals.

As the landscape of labor relations continues to evolve, victories like the one at UNFI serve as empowering reminders of what can be achieved through solidarity and collective action. For those looking to learn more about the Teamsters’ initiatives and to keep abreast of labor rights developments, visit Teamster.org or follow them on social media at Twitter and Facebook. The energy and commitment displayed by the Teamsters at UNFI is not just a win for one group but a hopeful sign for workers nationwide seeking fairness and recognition in the workplace.

For more updates, journalists can reach out to Lena Melentijevic at (347) 208-2279 or via email at [email protected].