Texas UNFI Drivers Unite with Teamsters for Better Working Conditions and Benefits

Texas UNFI Drivers Unite with Teamsters

In a significant labor movement, more than 90 drivers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Lancaster, Texas, have made the bold decision to join Teamsters Local 745. This strong show of support comes as these employees seek to secure better wages, improved benefits, and working conditions that are already available to thousands of UNFI Teamsters across the United States.

Brent Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Southern Region International Vice President for the Teamsters, expressed his pride in welcoming these new members. He emphasized the commitment of the union to help them negotiate a robust contract. Taylor stated, "These workers saw what their Teamsters brothers and sisters across the country are achieving, and they're ready to do the same."

UNFI stands as the largest distributor for Whole Foods and has recently witnessed a wave of successful organizing efforts by Teamsters. Since 2022, over 3,000 UNFI workers nationwide have joined the union, demonstrating a growing trend towards collective bargaining in the marketplace.

Charles Evans, a UNFI driver and now a proud member of Local 745, shared his motivation for joining the union, saying, "We know that joining the Teamsters is the only way to secure the pay, benefits, and respect we deserve. We're ready to negotiate a first contract that matches what Teamsters have already won at other UNFI locations."

The Texas drivers are not alone in this wave of organizing. Just a month ago, drivers in Wisconsin voted decisively by a two-to-one margin to join Teamsters Local 200. Additionally, strong first contracts have been recently established at UNFI facilities in states such as Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. In these locations, over 1,000 Teamsters ratified agreements that granted them substantial hourly raises, comprehensive healthcare coverage, a defined benefit pension plan, enhanced seniority rights, and increased paid time off.

Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, pointed out that the success stories are resonating with workers across the nation. He remarked, "The Teamsters are showing UNFI workers nationwide what's possible when you organize and fight together. Workers are seeing the strong contracts we're negotiating and are joining the Teamsters in overwhelming numbers because they know they deserve the same. We won't stop until every UNFI worker is protected by a strong Teamsters contract."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents approximately 1.3 million dedicated individuals working across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their continuous efforts in advocating for workers’ rights have contributed significantly to improving labor standards nationwide. For more details, you can visit Teamster.org or follow them on social media at X @Teamsters and Facebook.

As the fight for fair labor practices continues, the recent organizing victory by UNFI drivers in Texas marks an essential step toward greater employee empowerment and united efforts for better working conditions. The momentum is clear: workers are ready to stand together for their rights and forge a path toward improved livelihoods.