#United States #Saint Paul #Dairy Farmers of America #Teamsters Local 471 #St. Paul Beverage

St. Paul Beverage Workers Unite with Teamsters for Fair Wages and Benefits

Major Organizing Win for St. Paul Beverage Workers

In an inspiring move toward labor organization, more than 200 employees at St. Paul Beverage—the facility owned by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA)—have successfully voted to affiliate with Teamsters Local 471. This monumental decision aims to bolster their wages, enhance their benefits, and secure a stronger voice within their workplace.

On March 4, 2026, the victory was celebrated not only as a success for the workers but also as a significant milestone in labor rights, marking one of the first notable organizing achievements under the national neutrality agreement established between the Teamsters and the dairy cooperative. Lyndon B. Johnson, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 471, commended the courage and tenacity of the St. Paul Beverage workers throughout this campaign.

“The workers at St. Paul Beverage demonstrated exceptional bravery and resolve,” Johnson expressed. “They united, remained steadfast, and made their demands heard.”

This momentous victory reflects a broader movement towards protecting workers' rights. Jesse Case, Director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, highlighted the importance of this achievement:

“This is a remarkable victory for workers who claim their right to organize without fear of employer resistance or intimidation. We challenge other dairy companies, like Nestle, to follow DFA’s example and abandon outdated anti-worker practices.”

At the St. Paul Beverage facility, workers engage in bottling, packaging, and processing various dairy products destined for grocery stores and customers throughout the Upper Midwest. With the organization under the Teamsters, these employees are enthusiastic about the future ahead.

James Matiatos, a dedicated maintenance mechanic with 23 years at St. Paul Beverage, conveyed the sentiments of many workers as they embark on this new chapter.

“This group was resolute; nothing could deter us from joining the strongest union in the world,” Matiatos stated. “We are excited to finally have our voices recognized and amplified as proud Teamsters.”

Teamsters Local 471 represents workers across various industries in Minnesota, notably in dairy processing, warehousing, and distribution sectors. This union aims to advocate for the rights and welfare of its members, ensuring they are treated fairly and with respect.

As the landscape of labor relations continues to evolve, the effort by the workers at St. Paul Beverage stands out as a beacon of hope for employees across the nation, demonstrating the power of unity and organization. They now embark on this journey together, with their newfound solidarity paving the way for better working conditions and opportunities.