Dairy Farmers of America Workers Strike for Fair Treatment and Safety

Teamsters Workers Strike at St. Albans Creamery

In a significant move, over 60 employees at St. Albans Creamery, a branch of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), have initiated a strike. This decision arises from the company’s continuous neglect of serious workplace issues and its refusal to negotiate in good faith. The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 597, are advocating for fair wages, enhanced safety protocols, and an end to compulsory overtime.

Curtis Clough, the President of Local 597, voiced the frustration felt by workers: "St. Albans Creamery workers have been pushed to the edge by the company’s refusal to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Our members are not asking for anything extreme — they seek safety on the job, wages that are on par with DFA employees at other locations, and a fair contract. These workers will remain on the picket line until DFA comes to the table in good faith."

This strike builds on prior tensions, following a brief one-day unfair labor practice strike conducted by the members in September, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with management and the lack of safe working conditions. The conditions reported by workers have included unsafe environments and poor treatment, both of which have been brushed aside by DFA despite numerous attempts to engage in meaningful discussions.

The St. Albans facility is responsible for supplying milk and cream to the nearby Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory, making the strike not just a local issue but one that could affect production and supply on a national scale. Lynn Daigle, a worker at St. Albans and also a member of Local 597, shared her sentiments: "Every day, we put in long hours to keep this creamery running, but the company refuses to tackle poor management and safety risks. We deserve a contract that mirrors our hard work and ensures our safety without forcing us into excessive overtime — and we’re determined to stay out here until we achieve that."

Teamsters Local 597 has a storied history since its founding in 1939, representing workers across various sectors including small package delivery, dairy processing, security, and more. With perseverance, they strive to uphold the rights and dignity of workers, tackling issues like these that resonate across industries.

The situation at St. Albans Creamery underscores a growing trend within the labor movement, where workers are increasingly vocal about their rights and working conditions. The determination shown by the Teamsters at this facility reflects a larger national dialogue concerning labor rights in the United States. Union leadership anticipates that as this strike continues, it may lead to broader discussions regarding employee conditions and pay structures not only within DFA but also in the dairy industry overall.

As of now, the workers remain united on the picket line, emphasizing the importance of respect and fair treatment within their workplace. The outcome of this strike may serve as a benchmark for labor negotiations in the future, shedding light on the vital role unions play in advocating for workers' rights in an ever-evolving workforce. For more information about Local 597 and their initiatives, visit teamsterslocal597.net.