#United States #Teamsters #Dairy Farmers #St. Albans

Teamsters and Senator Sanders Demand Transparency on Creamery Shutdown

On August 19, 2026, leaders from Teamsters Local 597 and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) gathered alongside workers outside the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) St. Albans Creamery in Vermont to express their opposition to the facility's proposed idling. This grassroots assembly highlighted the looming threat the shutdown poses not just to the employees but also to the local economy, which has deep roots in dairy farming.

Curtis Clough, President of Teamsters Local 597, articulated the community's growing concerns, stating, "Dairy farmers in the St. Albans area are already facing enormous pressure from rising costs, volatile milk prices, and an increasingly concentrated dairy industry. Idling this creamery would only exacerbate these challenges by disrupting a vital facility that local farmers, workers, and families have relied on for generations." Clough emphasized the importance of the creamery not just as an employer, but as a cornerstone of the region's agricultural economy.

Senator Sanders echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the St. Albans DFA plant has played a pivotal role in Vermont's dairy sector for over a century. He argued that the decision by the company to close this facility appears to be an act of illegal union-busting, which undermines the rights of workers and threatens their livelihoods. "The St. Albans Dairy Farmers of America plant has been a vital source of decent-paying jobs for more than 100 years. The decision to close this plant seems to be about more than just economics; it appears to be an attack on union rights," said Sanders.

During the press conference, both Sanders and Clough called on DFA to provide a comprehensive public explanation regarding the decision to idle the creamery. They urged the company to directly engage with the workers and the local community, emphasizing that transparency is essential for maintaining trust and safeguarding jobs.

A warehouse worker and steward with Local 597, Ted Westover, shared the struggles faced by employees: "Our families made sacrifices while we stood in the rain on strike so we could put food on the table and win a fair contract. Now our jobs are on the line because it seems a multimillion-dollar business got their feelings hurt. It’s hard not to see the timing for what it is; this looks like classic union busting."

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents over 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their commitment to protecting the rights of hardworking individuals is paramount as they respond to this latest threat to employment in the dairy sector. Following this press conference, the Teamsters Union vowed to explore all avenues to defend their members and uphold the principle of workers' rights.

As the local dairy landscape continues to evolve, the results of this public outcry may prove instrumental in redefining the relationship between large dairy corporations and their workers. The future of St. Albans Creamery hangs in the balance, and the community is anxiously awaiting DFA's next move. The challenge ahead may not just be about preserving jobs, but safeguarding the very legacy of dairy farming within this tight-knit community. Activism, solidarity, and unwavering support among unions will play a crucial role in this collective fight for justice within the workplace.

The Teamsters Union remains steadfast in its mission to advocate for labor rights and protects its members from unjust corporate decisions. The organization is actively engaging in campaigns, rallies, and negotiations to ensure that workers' voices are heard, and their rights are upheld. To learn more about the Teamsters and their ongoing efforts, you can visit Teamster.org. Follow them on X @Teamsters and connect on Facebook for updates on activism and community initiatives.