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Sysco Teamsters in San Francisco Set to Strike Over Contract Demands

In a significant move, more than 400 warehouse workers and drivers at Sysco San Francisco have voted unanimously to authorize a strike if the company fails to negotiate a fair contract. This action reflects the heightened tensions between workers and management in an industry where wage increases and enhanced working conditions have become critical to maintaining a viable standard of living in the Bay Area, one of the most expensive regions in the world.

Rising Costs in San Francisco

Andy Gonzalez, a driver at Sysco and member of Teamsters Local 853, expressed the urgency of the situation, stating, "San Francisco is one of the most expensive places to live on earth, and we need a contract that keeps up with inflation." As everyday costs continue to soar, it is apparent that workers are feeling the pinch and are determined to secure improvements in their compensation and benefits.

The sentiment among Sysco employees is that management must sit down and engage constructively to deliver a proposal that meets their demands. "None of us want to be on strike, but it is time for management to come to the table with a serious proposal. Anything less will result in us hitting the picket line," Gonzalez asserted.

Stronger Together: The Union's Fighting Spirit

Local 853 has gained momentum recently, having secured significant organizing victories against Sysco's key competitors, demonstrating that their push for better contracts does not exist in isolation. Earlier this year, workers at VISTAR, a subsidiary of Performance Food Group, voted overwhelmingly to join the union, and shortly thereafter, newly organized members at US Foods participated in a multi-week strike that culminated in a substantial first contract.

Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853, highlighted the changing landscape: "A few years ago, Sysco stood alone as the only unionized food service provider in the Bay Area. That is no longer the case. Their competitors are now Teamsters shops too. Sysco cannot lowball our members anymore by hiding behind nonunion competition. We demand a contract in line with what other Teamsters in this industry have already won."

Recent Strike Authorization Votes

This current vote by Local 853 follows another crucial strike authorization, as more than 270 members of Teamsters Local 162 in Portland voted 99.5 percent in favor of a strike ahead of their contract's expiration on October 13, 2025. Should Sysco continue to refuse to negotiate fairly, the situation may escalate into a major labor dispute impacting nearly 800 workers across the West Coast.

Sysco’s financial health appears robust; the company reported an impressive $1.95 billion in net profits for 2024, marking more than a 10 percent increase from the previous year. Given its profit margins, workers are challenging management to justify offering anything less than competitive compensation.

Labor Unity in Action

Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, emphasized that Sysco bears the responsibility of meeting workers’ expectations: "Sysco has absolutely no excuses to offer anything less than a contract that puts Local 853 members on par with what other Teamsters in the Bay Area and across the country have won." He indicated that if Sysco does not rectify its approach, it will soon feel the impact of Teamsters’ solidarity.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters stands with 1.3 million working individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their fight not only represents their needs but acts as a beacon of the broader labor movement's fight for dignity and fairness in the workplace. As the expiration of the contract approaches on October 31, 2025, workers will continue to rally for a just deal.

For more information on the Teamsters and their initiatives, visit their website at Teamster.org. Follow them on social media for real-time updates and developments during this pivotal moment in labor rights.