Core-Mark Drivers Achieve Historic Union Vote, Join Teamsters Local 952

Workers at Core-Mark Join Teamsters

In a significant move for labor rights, drivers working for Core-Mark, a notable subsidiary of Performance Food Group (PFG), have made their voices heard by overwhelmingly voting to join Teamsters Local 952. This vote, which involved 70 drivers, comes as a response to demands for better wages, enhanced benefits, and safer workplace conditions.

Michael Cantewell, a Core-Mark driver and a new member of Local 952, expressed the collective sentiment, stating, "We joined the Teamsters because we needed a real voice on the job. Without a union, management treated us like numbers. Now we're unified and ready to secure a first contract that puts our rights in writing and protects every one of us."

This pivotal decision marks a turning point for the drivers who felt that without union representation, their concerns were often overlooked. Eric Jimenez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 952, praised the courageous decision of the workers to stand up against the company’s attempts to undermine their efforts. "I want to congratulate these workers for their courage to stand up to the company's union-busting campaigns and win the representation they deserve," Jimenez said.

Core-Mark, known as the largest wholesale distributor to convenience stores throughout North America, was acquired by PFG in 2021 for a whopping $2.5 billion. The company plays a crucial role in delivering various products, including fresh, chilled, and frozen goods, to thousands of stores across the nation.

This recent unionization effort by Core-Mark drivers isn't an isolated event. Last year, drivers at another PFG subsidiary, VISTAR, also voted to join the Teamsters, despite the company spending significant resources on anti-union tactics. Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, stated, "We're building power at PFG because workers know the best way to win respect on the job is with a Teamsters contract. We will continue organizing across this company and raising standards for every worker in the food distribution industry."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has grown to represent 1.3 million working individuals in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The support of such a significant union provides essential resources and negotiating power for workers like those at Core-Mark. With their recent victory, the drivers are now gearing up to negotiate their first contract, aiming for a breakthrough that not only secures better wages but also ensures safer working conditions.

The importance of this union representation cannot be understated. Union membership provides workers with a structured method to address grievances, negotiate contracts, and stand united against management's potentially exploitative practices. As workers band together, their collective actions emphasize the necessity of solidarity in facing workplace challenges. The fight for fair treatment, respect, and the right to negotiate is far from over; however, with the backing of agencies like the Teamsters, Core-Mark drivers are optimistic about their future.

As they prepare for the future, the drivers of Core-Mark and their battle for better working conditions might inspire others in the industry to consider similar paths towards unionization. In seeking to empower their collective voice, these workers are not only fighting for their rights but also setting a precedent for future labor movements across the food distribution sector and beyond.