#United States #Teamsters #UNFI #Lancaster, Texas #Local 745

UNFI Warehouse Workers Join Teamsters

In a significant move towards better working conditions and fair pay, 301 warehouse workers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) have overwhelmingly voted to join Teamsters Local 745. This decision reflects a growing trend among workers advocating for better labor practices within the retail and grocery distribution sectors.

The warehouse employees, located in Lancaster, Texas, organized with the primary aim of securing not only improved daily wages but also enhanced benefits and safer working conditions. Their effort underlines the challenges faced in a fast-paced industry where employees often grapple with excessive workloads and limited rights.

One of the warehouse workers, Estrina Hughes, articulated the driving force behind her participation in the organizing effort. She stated, “The level of exploitation we were facing every single day was untenable. I recognized that the only way to improve our work situation and protect our colleagues was by aligning ourselves with the Teamsters.” Hughes’ sentiment resonates with many of her fellow workers, showcasing a united front in the pursuit of labor rights.

Since the start of 2022, over 3,500 UNFI workers across the nation have joined the Teamsters, solidifying their collective voice in the fight for fairness. With this new addition, the total number of Teamsters affiliated with UNFI has exceeded 5,500, demonstrating the growing momentum behind union activities within the company, particularly as it supplies products to Amazon-owned Whole Foods.

Brent Taylor, who serves as the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745, expressed his enthusiasm in welcoming the new members into the Teamsters family. Taylor emphasized the importance of fighting for a robust first contract that addresses the essential needs of the workers. “We are committed to advocating for the wages, benefits, and job protections that countless Teamsters at UNFI have already earned and fought for,” he stated, promising steadfast support as they embark on this new chapter.

The Lancaster warehouse is not alone in this movement; it joins a wave of recent unionization efforts at UNFI. In May, nearly 100 drivers at the same facility opted to join Local 745, followed by more than 50 drivers at the UNFI site in Richburg, South Carolina, joining Teamsters Local 509 in September. With the recent victory of the warehouse workers, the Lancaster facility now enjoys full union representation.

Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, highlighted the significance of such unionization efforts. He noted, “Our growth at UNFI stems from workers’ realization that the only path to earning the respect they rightfully deserve is through unionization with the Teamsters.” By fostering solidarity among employees, the Teamsters continue to build a framework of power that is benefiting working families.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, now represents 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their ongoing efforts aim to amplify the voices of workers across various sectors, advocating for their rights, safety, and fair compensation.

As the momentum builds and the newly organized workers prepare to negotiate their first contract, the advocacy for fair working conditions within the grocery distribution sector serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of collective bargaining. These workers are not just securing their future; they are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable workplace environment for generations to come.