#United States #Teamsters Local 120 #Baraboo #Sysco Drivers #Baraboo Wisconsin

Sysco Drivers in Wisconsin Unite for Fair Treatment

In a momentous decision, 84 truck drivers working for Sysco in Baraboo, Wisconsin, have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 120. This move highlights a growing trend among workers seeking improved wages, benefits, and workplace protections through unionization. The drivers' choice comes as they prepare to negotiate their first contract as union members, aiming to establish equitable conditions similar to those enjoyed by Teamsters in nearby regions.

Tyler Knoup, a Sysco Baraboo driver and an enthusiastic supporter of the unionization effort, shared his perspective, stating, "Our routes fall right between Minneapolis and Chicago, where Sysco workers are already Teamsters. We saw what Teamsters at Sysco in Minnesota and Illinois have won, and their wages and benefits are considerably better than ours. We organized because we're ready to close that gap and get what we deserve."

The newly organized drivers play a crucial role in the supply chain, responsible for delivering food and essential supplies to restaurants, hospitals, and major universities throughout Wisconsin. This includes delivering to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a significant institution in the state. As part of the Teamsters union, these drivers join a larger community of over 13,000 workers across the country who have similar roles within Sysco and its subsidiaries.

Sysco stands as one of the largest food service distributors in the United States, boasting $1.83 billion in net earnings for the fiscal year 2025. The company has a track record of negotiating substantial contracts that enhance wage scales and benefits for its union employees. Teamsters across the country have secured contracts that include robust wage increases, comprehensive healthcare plans, pension benefits, and substantial workplace protections.

Tom Erickson, the President of Local 120 and Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, commented on the recent victory for the Baraboo drivers, stating, "Sysco drivers in Baraboo saw what their Teamsters brothers and sisters have won across the industry and decided it was time to demand the same. These workers generate enormous profits for Sysco, and now we're going to make sure they get their fair share." He emphasized that the newly organized drivers would receive unwavering support from both Local 120 and the broader Teamsters union as they embark on negotiations for their first contract.

The Teamsters union, founded in 1903, represents 1.3 million working individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The union has played a pivotal role in advocating for labor rights and ensuring fair treatment for workers in various industries. The recent unionization of Sysco drivers in Wisconsin illustrates the continuing efforts of labor organizations to empower workers and enhance their rights.

As the Baraboo drivers prepare for their upcoming negotiations, many anticipate that this decision will not only improve their working conditions but also inspire other Sysco workers across the nation to consider collective bargaining as a means of securing their rights and fair treatment in the workplace. The push for unionization among Sysco drivers reflects a growing movement within the workforce to demand fairness and equity.

For more information on the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and their initiatives, you can visit Teamster.org or follow them on social media platforms like X @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

In an era where workers are increasingly vocal about their needs and rights, the success of these Sysco drivers serves as a beacon of hope and a challenge to corporations to prioritize the well-being of their employees in their business models.