Brian Fisher

The richest, and first-ever, regional contract in the country; SYSCO Foods ratifies a four-year contract

Teamsters Local 853 members at SYSCO Foods in San Francisco were ground zero for the industry—the first food-service group in the Bay Area to unionize. Their stand set the tone for many others. Since that first SYSCO contract, UNFI, Tony’s Fine Foods, VISTAR, US Foods, and Performance Food Group have all come under contract with Teamsters Local 853.

So when these 853 members came up on its first contract since COVID, they were ready to set another record, a record befitting their place in union history in the Bay Area.

Their first step was commitment as a unified group. In September, they authorized a strike if needed.

Strike vote Approved: 853 Teamsters at SYSCO Foods were ground zero, and opened the door to every major food service company in the Bay Area, now they go to the mat again

A win-win regional contract approach

Before negotiations commenced, SYSCO in Reno and Sacramento were also coming up on the expiration of their contracts. And so Teamsters Local 853, 137, and 533 banded together, under the guidance of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, to pursue the first regional contract that would cover all three locals. This is a classic win-win for all involved. For the Teamsters, the greater our numbers, the more leverage and authority we have to seek improvements for our members. SYSCO also wins, having one group to bargain with, thereby reducing the potential disruptions of three complex union contracts working separately to secure three separate contracts.

The sticking points

There were many sticking points on the way. Job safety was a paramount issue identified during negotiations that almost derailed the contract. Also, a show of force to go to the mat was organized after their strike authorization vote.

On the job safety a major issue in SYSCO Negotiations – Strike Deadline Set
SYSCO Foods Teamsters in SF show their readiness to stand united for a better contract

Then, a first vote was held after Safety concerns were addressed and incorporated into the contract. 👎 But the first vote did not pass. 👎 There were still some wage issues that were not satisfactory. So the company asked to get back to the table to revisit wages.

Success

👍The second vote passed by a more than 2 to 1 margin. 👍 The result! The richest and first regional contract in the Country. All because this groundbreaking group pushed the company to its limits, was confident in their demands, and stayed unified to get it.

“I’m very proud of what SYSCO Teamsters accomplished with this contract,” said Teamsters Vice President and Business Agent Ray Torres. “I felt honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with these members during this groundbreaking contract.” “I hope these members fully recognize the unity, determination, and communication it took to put it together.”

“This is a great win for these members who have seen so much over their years of service,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 853. “To know that they have worked hard for what they wanted, fought hard, and achieved their goal is the Teamster way.”

The credit goes to the entire team

Shout out to the members of the negotiating committee who kept everyone unified. Thank you to those who give all that extra effort for their coworkers. Andy Gonzalez, Joe Silva, Reggie Knighten, Rod Melfati, and Marco Ornelas.

Finally, BIG shouts out to: Tom Erickson, IBT director of the Warehouse Division, who helped guide us through this multi-local contract, Russ Butler, principal officer of Teamsters Local 137 in Sacramento, and to Chris Fuqua, Vice president of Teamsters Local 533 in Reno, Nevada. It was an incredible team effort.

The richest, and first-ever, regional contract in the country; SYSCO Foods ratifies a four-year contract Read More »

Teamster 853 members at Certainteed ratify record breaking offer

Teamsters Local 853 members at Certainteed ratified a new three-year contract with significant gains to wages.

This group followed the recipe for success. They showed a willingness to go to the mat with an authorized strike vote, then stuck together, didn’t let the company divide them, and in the end, through their unity and commitment, got an exceptionally strong contract.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder, these members did Teamters 853 proud.” Said Teamster 853 Vice President and Business Agent Ray Torres. “These members did it right, and a big thank you to the negotiating committee. They are the ones who go above and beyond for their fellow members.”

Teamster 853 members at Certainteed ratify record breaking offer Read More »

Unyielding Westlake Workers On Strike – five months and counting – these Teamster 853 members personify grit as they stand for justice

The canyon between the haves and the have-nots has never been wider than the time we are living in right now. The super-rich influence many aspects of the lives of everyday workers. What we read, what we buy, how we vote: they have a hand in it all.

Unions, however, possess one of the strongest tools to fight this income gap; laws enacted by FDR in the 1930s ensured that workers had the right to fight back. Our country was going through a similar wealth inequality gap at that time. And so history repeats itself. And unions must now take the gloves off and fight as they did in the 30s for their members’ livelihoods.

Teamsters Local 853 Members at Westlake Royal Stone Solutions

This wealth inequality is playing out in real time with Teamsters Local 853 members at Westlake as they stand on the line, day after day, night after night. 150 workers from a group of 260 have been on strike for over 4 months. Since July 24th, incredibly, the number of members on the line has actually increased. These members have unbelievable unity and determination.

So who is Westlake?

Westlake Royal Stone Solutions is a large business unit within Westlake Royal Building Products.

Third-party business directories consistently classify it at roughly 1,001–5,000 employees and estimate US$1–10 billion in annual revenue for the stone division. 

Its parent, Westlake Corporation, is much larger: about 16,000 employees worldwide across all segments (chemicals, building products, etc.).

So this multi-billion-dollar company is holding these members hostage. Refusing to negotiate in good faith for eight months before they forced these members to strike. The sticking points? EVERYTHING! These workers do all the hard work that makes this company successful. So what did Westlake offer for this work? A 1% raise and no improvements on any benefits like health care, pension, or 401 (k). At a time when corporate profits everywhere are soaring.

Westlake’s message to these workers is clear: You’ll take what we give you; you’re lucky we are willing to give you anything at all.

Greedy, heartless companies like Westlake will continue to exploit their employees unless we stand up and say ENOUGH!!

So to all of our members and our Union Sisters and Brothers everywhere, please join us in support of these workers in their fight. Teamsters Local 853 members all deserve the simple dignity of a good wage, fair benefits, and job protections that mean a real shot at a livelihood. Not just a meager paycheck doled out by an exploitive corporation.

Teamsters Local 853 also wants to express our deep gratitude to the Joint Council 7 and all the locals who have put in time and energy to support these members. Those who come out and walk the line and show these members that they are not alone. The rally of support by our greater Teamster community was what originally kicked off this strike. That rally showed the support these members have, which helps keep them going strong.

For over four months, these members haven’t blinked,” said Teamsters Local 853 Secretary Treasurer Steve Beck. “Think about that! What it takes to walk that line every day and every night, so that you can make a better life for you and your family.” Steve continued, “If you are looking for courage and integrity, then look to these members. We pledge to use every tool of power at our disposal to fight with them until they win.” “And that is going to be a day to celebrate!”

Unyielding Westlake Workers On Strike – five months and counting – these Teamster 853 members personify grit as they stand for justice Read More »

Teamster 853 members at Gatorade overwhelmingly ratify new offer

This week, Teamster 853 members at Gatorade overwhelmingly accepted their new contract offer. The new contract provided record pension increases, wages, and protection from ever-growing healthcare costs. Additionally, we added sick days and stronger language to protect against untimely discipline. This contract continues to pave the way for future employees and also increases the benefits members have already earned. Congratulations to our Oakland Gatorade members.

“This is a really tight group, so when it comes to workplace issues or concerns, they always stick together, and they always keep the steward and me honest,” Said Teamsters 853 President and Business Agent Steven Lua, “so the trust factor and believing in me and the committee really allowed us to go into negotiations with a strong backing.”

He continued, “The other important piece to this success is the relationships we have built with the company. We listen and we push each other to be better. The company thanked the committee for their professionalism and honesty so that they could be accountable to make the changes for everyone’s success.”

Teamster 853 members at Gatorade overwhelmingly ratify new offer Read More »

Steeler Inc. ratifies new contract at 100% YES VOTE

🏢 Building the products that build the world.

📣 Big shout-out to these Teamster 853 members from Steeler Inc. These members at Steeler build the metal stud framing that goes into millions of square feet of construction. Our homes, buildings, and skyscrapers.

👉 Last week, they ratified their new contract at 100%. This unanimous vote secured good wage increases, increased sick leave, and PPO. Special thanks and mention to Steward Juan Rubio, who put in the time during negotiations to hit a home run for his fellow members.

Steeler Inc. ratifies new contract at 100% YES VOTE Read More »

Teamsters Local 853 holds General Meeting for ZUM Drivers at Oakland Unified School District

Being on the same page, understanding, and supporting a common goal of workplace improvements. These are the reasons it’s important to have general meetings periodically. The more discussions we have, the more prepared and well-informed everyone is so they can act as one voice when action is needed.

Business Agent Tracy Kelley organized and led this general meeting for Zum Drivers at the Oakland Unified School District. He addressed workplace issues in the yard that need to be brought to management’s attention. Some of the more prevalent issues discussed were workers’ comp and modified duty, extra work, safety meetings, training hours, field trips, and ICE enforcement and protocols.

Big shout-out to all the members who showed up to share their thoughts and experiences, and learn more about the challenges that the group faces.

Teamsters Local 853 holds General Meeting for ZUM Drivers at Oakland Unified School District Read More »

Challenge Dairies Teamsters Ratify new contract at 96% yes vote 

We see the trucks everywhere and signs everywhere. The Northern California butter that lines the shelves of most grocery stores across America. A name synonymous with quality. There is a reason why this quality product continues to be the industry leader it is, and that reason is Teamsters 853 workers.

Because of their work and dedication on the job, Challenge enjoys the reputation it does year after year.

And this year was the year when all that hard work paid off with a very good contract.

For the next three years, these Teamsters 853 members have secured the pay, benefits, and protections commensurate with the work they put in. The new language has a strong pay increase, an increase in pension, and additional vacation pay on top of the already very strong previous contract.

Big shout-out to the members who were part of the process, who expressed their opinions and voted with their voices. And most importantly, thanks to Steward Dave Carlson, who also sat on the negotiating committee and kept members well informed and unified on a strong contract.

Challenge Dairies Teamsters Ratify new contract at 96% yes vote  Read More »

Undivided, undeterred, and stronger than ever, Teamsters Local 853 celebrates our members’ unity

Strikes, protracted negotiations, unfair labor practices, worker exploitation, union busters, and income inequality: being a Teamsters 853 member means taking a stand and taking pride in the struggle to lift each of us up against these forces. There are lists of long-standing practices supported by big money and corporations that are determined to divide and conquer us.

Teamsters Local 853 understands the challenges we face, so we promote and embrace the single most important attribute to overcome all this adversity – our unity! When we speak with the voice of many, we defeat these forces that align against us. It shows in our contract victories, our grievance victories, our strike victories, and so many other day-to-day successes. 

Taking time to break bread, take a breath, and further strengthen our bond.

With all of this hard work, I believe it’s important to press pause and take stock in where we are. Last weekend we did just that. We put aside the work and the battles to recognize our accomplishments and celebrate our unity at our annual membership appreciation event. It was a perfect weekend to celebrate, and I want to congratulate and express my gratitude to every member personally. Whether you could make it out or not, know you are part of a strong family that appreciates everything you do. Your voice matters. Stay engaged by reaching out to a Steward, Business Agent, or fellow member to share your ideas and experiences. Through active participation, we become stronger as a union.

So, on behalf of myself, President Steven Lua, and the entire Teamsters 853 organization, let’s celebrate our unity, and let’s continue to move forward together.

Steve Beck, Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer

Undivided, undeterred, and stronger than ever, Teamsters Local 853 celebrates our members’ unity Read More »