#United States #Teamsters #Southern Glazer's #Florida Driver #Tampa, Jacksonville

Florida Drivers at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits Ratify New Agreement

In a major development for the labor movement in Florida, Teamsters representing delivery drivers at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits have successfully ratified the Florida Driver's Agreement. This new collective bargaining agreement was finalized after extensive negotiations and highlights the strength and unity of Teamsters Local 79 and Local 947.

The agreement encompasses 49 delivery drivers working in the thriving cities of Tampa and Jacksonville. Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, expressed pride in the negotiating committee's commitment. He stated, "I am proud of this negotiating committee for staying strong at the table to secure this excellent agreement. Their dedication and solidarity showed the power of the Teamsters in action. We fought hard to win this contract. It will now set the standard for the industry throughout the state."

Key Highlights of the Agreement

The ratified agreement introduces several key improvements for the drivers. Notably, the new Teamsters health plan offers better coverage, while pension benefits have also seen a substantial increase. The deal includes wage hikes and enhancements to overtime pay, which are set to greatly benefit the drivers and their families. The agreement also addresses paid leave, bringing significant improvements in this area as well.

Donny Connell, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 947, highlighted the importance of this agreement for the workforce: "The drivers at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits showed the company their worth and were rewarded with a great contract. This group is leading by example and driving up the standard for the entire beverage industry."

Another key figure in the agreement, Brian A. Rothman, President of Local 79, praised the collective effort: "Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this well-deserved victory. By standing together, our members showed their strength and won a strong Teamsters contract in return."

Future Implications

A notable aspect of this agreement is its synchronization with the upcoming negotiations for the newly organized Lakeland, Florida warehouse. This strategic alignment aims to provide additional bargaining leverage when the current contract expires in 2029.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents over 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. This recent victory at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits is a testament to the efficacy of organized labor in advocating for better work conditions and fair compensation.

As the Teamsters advance, they continue to inspire and set a precedent for labor relations across various sectors, particularly within the beverage industry. Together, they embody the spirit of solidarity and resilience necessary for thriving in today’s workforce.

For more updates and information about the Teamsters and their efforts nationwide, visit Teamster.org and follow their social media platforms for the latest news and initiatives.