Teamsters Stage National Practice Pickets at Dairy Farmers of America to Push for Fair Contracts

Teamsters Stage National Practice Pickets at Dairy Farmers of America

In a significant move, Teamsters organized nationwide practice pickets at Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) facilities, which included locations in Englewood, Colorado, Milwaukee, Salt Lake City, and several areas in Southern California. The actions were aimed at advocating for vital changes in the labor contracts set to expire on May 5. DFA stands as North America's largest dairy cooperative, making the stakes particularly high for workers.

Lou Villalvazo, chairman of the DFA Teamsters National Negotiating Committee and secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 630, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We demand a fair national standard at DFA. Our members work hard and deserve strong contracts that protect workers and reflect the crucial role they play in the supply chain."

The demands from the union are clear and focused on improving conditions for workers in the dairy industry. Specifically, they are advocating for higher wages, enhanced healthcare and retirement benefits, and stronger protections against job losses related to automation. Additionally, the Teamsters are pushing for a common expiration date across contracts that cover approximately 2,000 workers.

As negotiations progress, the union has made it clear that if DFA does not reach a satisfactory agreement by May 5, it may instigate a work stoppage at any of the 35 locations still in bargaining. Jesse Case, director of the Teamsters Food Processing Division, highlighted the cooperative's economic strength, noting, "DFA supplies nearly one-third of all milk in this country. This employer has more than enough resources to reach fair agreements. It's in the best interest of the co-op to settle these agreements quickly."

Randy Tidd, a member of Teamsters Local 455 working at the DFA subsidiary Meadow Gold in Englewood, echoed the sentiment of unity among the workers. He stated, "We're out here because DFA needs to know that drivers, warehouse staff, and production workers are united in this fight. There are a lot of brothers and sisters across this country right now who are negotiating with DFA. We're ready to do whatever it takes to get a good contract."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has represented over 1.3 million hardworking individuals in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The union's efforts in organizing and advocating for better labor conditions significantly influence the livelihoods of workers in various sectors, including the dairy industry.

Teamsters are demonstrating their commitment to ensuring that their members receive fair treatment from employers like DFA. With the impending contract expiration date approaching, the pressure on the cooperative to negotiate in good faith has never been higher. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on these practice pickets and the impacts they may have on the collective bargaining process.

For more information on their initiatives, please visit Teamster.org and follow them on social media platforms for the latest updates in their ongoing labor negotiations.