Dairy Farmers of America's Winston-Salem Workers Unite with Teamsters for Better Rights and Wages

Workers at DFA's Winston-Salem Facility Choose Teamsters

In a remarkable display of solidarity, more than 120 employees at a fluid milk processing plant owned by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, have chosen to join Teamsters Local 391. This decision, confirmed by a recent vote, signifies a meaningful step toward enhancing workplace rights and negotiating improved labor conditions.

Rick Armstrong, President of Local 391, expressed joy over the outcome, stating, "This victory showed what's possible when workers look out for one another and refuse to settle for less. This group stayed focused, built real unity, and took control of their future. We're ready to stand with them as they negotiate a strong first contract." This outcome is not only pivotal for the workers but also sets a precedent for other similar facilities across the nation.

The facility in question is responsible for processing and packaging PET (polyethylene terephthalate) milk that is distributed widely throughout the Carolinas and Virginia. These milk products have earned a stellar reputation due to their high quality, reinforced by rigorous standards maintained by the facility's production, lab, shipping, and maintenance teams.

As the campaign unfolded, Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, emphasized the role of neutral agreements made by DFA. "DFA honored the neutrality agreement in Winston-Salem. It's time for other food processing giants, including Nestlé, to ditch their union-busting playbook and respect their workforce," he asserted. This sentiment reflects a broader call for companies to acknowledge the rights and wishes of their employees.

The successful vote marks the second organizing triumph for Teamsters under a national neutrality agreement with DFA. Employees like Shaquan Long, a sanitation worker at the PET fluid plant, shared their thoughts on joining the union. Long stated, "The Teamsters have put working people first and have been doing so since 1903. My co-workers and I felt it was time for us to join the Teamsters to help us secure better wages, health insurance, and bring equality back to the workplace." Such voices underline the growing demand for fairness in labor practices as workers unite to secure better living conditions.

Teamsters Local 391 represents a diverse group of workers in North Carolina across several industries, including dairy processing, warehousing, and distribution. Their application of organizing strategies could inspire other labor movements within the state and beyond. The overarching goal remains clear: to advocate for workers’ rights and improve their working conditions through collective bargaining.

As the new union grows, the focus will now shift toward negotiating the first contract, which will set the terms for wages, benefits, and working conditions at the Winston-Salem facility. This period promises to be both challenging and rewarding for the newly organized workforce as they engage in discussions that could significantly impact their livelihoods.

For ongoing updates and further information about Teamsters Local 391, those interested can visit their official website at teamsterslocal391.com. As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the power of unity among workers and the continued fight for labor rights within the United States.