#United States #Englewood #Dairy Farmers of America #Meadow Gold Dairy #Teamsters Local 455

Dairy Teamsters Prepare for Practice Picket in Englewood

Englewood, Colorado, is gearing up for a significant labor event as members of Teamsters Local 455, employed by Meadow Gold Dairy, are slated to hold a practice picket on April 24, 2025. This initiative forms part of a nationwide call for action by workers in the dairy industry, emphasizing their demands for better wages, health benefits, and improved working conditions.

The practice picket is scheduled to take place outside the Meadow Gold facility, located at 1325 W Oxford Road, Englewood, CO. This facility serves as one of the main suppliers of milk for public schools in the Denver metropolitan area, marking its importance not only for the employees but also for the broader community. The event will run from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM MST, with attendees expected to showcase their solidarity by marching and carrying picket signs.

Context for the Action

The dairy industry in the U.S. is presently under intense scrutiny, especially as Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), the parent company of Meadow Gold, is in the midst of negotiations covering 19 collective bargaining agreements that affect approximately 2,000 workers across the cooperative. The Teamsters union is advocating for several key improvements:

• - Higher wages to keep pace with the cost of living
• - Enhancements in health care provisions for better worker well-being
• - Increased retirement benefits for a secure future
• - Standardization of contract expiration dates for all workers

The practice picket serves not just as a rehearsal for a larger potential strike, but also stands as a clarion call for workers’ rights, reinforcing the notion that collective action can lead to meaningful dialogue with employers.

Nationwide Solidarity

This action is part of a broader movement among dairy workers nationwide, highlighting that the demands in Englewood are echoed in other regions. The collective bargaining process is critical as it encapsulates the fights for dignity and fair treatment. Workers across various states are mobilizing similarly to push for recognition and to voice their concerns effectively.

While the practice picket is scheduled to take place, the Teamsters remind those participating to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, focusing efforts on raising awareness rather than creating conflict. The goal is unity and strength in numbers, demonstrating to DFA that their workforce is united in its quest for better conditions.

Call to Action for the Community

The Teamsters encourage community members and supporters to stand in solidarity with their efforts. As the practice picket unfolds, local residents are invited to join, showing their backing for the rights of dairy workers and the need for fair labor practices.

This is not merely an internal Teamsters affair; it resonates with the broader labor movement active throughout the country today. Many observers will be watching how this collective effort in Englewood unfolds, potentially setting the stage for further escalated actions if negotiations do not yield favorable outcomes for the workers.

As the date approaches, anticipation builds among the union members as well as the community they serve, reminding everyone that the fight for workers' rights is ongoing and remains a vital issue that affects countless lives.

For anyone seeking more information on the picket or wishing to participate, they can reach out to union representatives on site or follow updates through the Teamsters’ official channels. Together, they aspire to create a standard of fairness and respect within the industry, not just locally but across the nation.