#USA #Salt Lake City #Teamsters Local 222 #Dairy Farmers of America #Meadow Gold Dairy

Dairy Teamsters Set to Hold Practice Picket

Members of Teamsters Local 222, working for Meadow Gold Dairy, which is part of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), are gearing up for a significant event in Salt Lake City. On April 24, 2025, they will hold a practice picket outside the dairy's facility, aiming to highlight their demands as part of a broader national movement.

The practice picket is set for Thursday afternoon, occurring between 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM MST at the Meadow Gold Dairy located at 3730 W 1820 S, Salt Lake City, UT. This organized event is not just a local affair but forms part of a nationwide day of action spearheaded by dairy workers to stand up for their rights and better working conditions.

The Teamsters are currently negotiating 19 different collective bargaining agreements that affect approximately 2,000 workers associated with the dairy co-operative, the largest in North America. Workers are united in their demands for increased wages, improved health care, enhanced retirement benefits, and synchronized expiration dates for their contracts. This collective stance aims to ensure that the voices of dairy workers are heard and considered during negotiations.

The Context Behind the Picket

The practice picket serves multiple purposes. First, it prepares members for what a real strike might entail, offering a chance to rehearse their actions and create awareness within the community about their struggles. This practice is crucial, as workers aim not only to inform the public about their needs but also to strengthen solidarity among themselves.

The dairy sector, especially under large cooperative umbrellas like DFA, faces unique challenges as workers negotiate for fair treatment in an industry that is often characterized by high demands and lower-than-desired compensations. Many are advocating not just for themselves but for future generations of dairy workers who will subsequently enter the field.

Visual Aspects of the Picket

Expected visuals on the day include Teamsters marching with picket signs displaying messages of solidarity and calls for respect in the workplace. Participants, representing a diverse cross-section of the dairy workforce, aim to unify their voices and demand straightforward negotiations.

Media Presence and Contacts

Members of the local media are encouraged to cover the event to capture the spirit of this mobilization. The media contact for the practice picket is Matt McQuaid, who can be reached at (771) 241-0015. Additionally, on-site communication will be available through Alex Rojas at (385) 218-3734.

As the picket day approaches, the anticipation builds among workers and supporters alike. The Teamsters, alongside various community allies, are poised to make a powerful statement, advocating not just for themselves, but for the entire workforce in the dairy industry.

This practice picket is a step towards ensuring that the rights of dairy workers are respected and upheld in future negotiations, and it represents a crucial moment for advocacy that could resonate beyond Salt Lake City, potentially impacting bargaining practices nationwide.