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A New Era for Sysco Employees in Montana

On February 26, 2026, over 225 Sysco drivers and warehouse employees in Billings, Montana, announced a monumental victory as they ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. This agreement, a result of strong advocacy from Teamsters Local 2, 120, and 190, marks a crucial step forward for workers in the food distribution industry.

The newly secured contract highlights several impressive gains for team members, including a 33% wage increase, a 40% rise in pension contributions, and access to Teamsters health care benefits. According to Jim Sousmas, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 190, the collective strength of their membership played a vital role in achieving this unprecedented agreement. “This is the strongest agreement we have ever negotiated at Sysco,” he stated, emphasizing the long-term benefits it will bring to members and their families over the next five years.

The path to this contract was not easy; it followed a credible strike threat and a unanimous strike authorization vote. This push prompted Sysco management to take the demands of workers seriously, resulting in what many are calling a transformative agreement.

Teamsters represent over 13,000 workers at Sysco and its subsidiaries nationwide, and this latest win in Montana is part of a broader trend of successful negotiations across the company. Recently, Sysco Teamsters in Spokane, Washington, ratified a similar agreement that brought in a 34% wage increase, reduced health care costs, and increased pension contributions. This pattern of strong contracts signals a significant shift within the food distribution sector, showcasing the power of collective bargaining.

Tom Erickson, President of Local 120 and Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, applauded these contracts as setting a new standard in the industry. “These agreements send a clear message to corporate America. They are improving the lives of thousands of hardworking Teamsters at Sysco,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of union strength in negotiating better terms for workers.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters is a robust union representing 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The organization has a rich history of advocating for the rights and benefits of workers, continually striving for improvements in working conditions and compensation.

For more information on the Teamsters and to stay updated on their ongoing efforts, you can visit Teamster.org. Follow the Teamsters on social media for real-time updates on their initiatives and policy efforts.

In summary, the ratification of the new contract by Sysco workers in Montana is not just a local win; it represents a significant step forward for labor rights within the food distribution industry, setting a powerful precedent for future negotiations. The success of these contracts illustrates the efficacy of organized labor in advocating for fair treatment and just compensation for workers.