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UNFI Ratified historic contract with Union healthcare and pension!!! Just weeks after collecting 1.3 Million in back Pay.

Drivers at UNFI Gilroy have just secured a historic contract with the company. And just weeks after forty-two(42) UNFI Teamster members secured 1.3 million dollars of back pay that was owed to them due to a wage calculation error.

This was a very strong second contract win for the members at UNFI. Not only increasing their wages above market rate but also securing Union Healthcare and Pensions.

“I am so proud of these members. These drivers did what works.” Said Teamsters Local 853 Vice President and UNFI Business Agent Ray Torres, “First, they determined what was important to them in this contract. Then, they determined a fair level of compensation based on their performance. Then most importantly, they trusted each other and the judgment of the leadership and negotiating committee and showed willingness to strike for those earnings.”

“We held the line strong,” said Ruben Lopez, the Chief Steward for UNFI “when we bargained the first contract, we knew we might not get everything we wanted, but this second time around because everyone held together, we advanced our positions on the Healthcare and Pension, and proved our worth over the past 3 years. This group deserves my highest praise.”

When presented in this way, the company understood that they needed to share their profits with the employees who made them successful.

UNFI is one of the four major Food Service Industry Trucking companies, along with PFG(Performance Food Groups/VISTAR), USFOODS, and SYSCO FOODS, that Teamsters Local 853 represent in the Bay Area.

If you know of any drivers or warehouse workers that are in the Bay Area food service industry not under Union Contract, let us know. If they want to be fairly compensated and protected for their work, let’s actively work to get them into our Teamster family for their sake and the sake of their families.

UNFI Ratified historic contract with Union healthcare and pension!!! Just weeks after collecting 1.3 Million in back Pay. Read More »

JC7 Locals Rally Around Striking Teamsters Who Went on to Secure an Industry-Leading Contract

Deciding to go on Strike is akin to going to war and should never be taken lightly. Before reaching this point, workers must exhaust every possible option to resolve disputes. So when Teamsters 853 members were asked, “Have you explored every possible avenue to secure a fair contract?” and they answered “YES,” yet still faced an impasse, they had no choice but to take action.

This was the circumstance for 177 drivers at US Foods in Livermore who voted last year to join Teamsters Local 853, determined to lock down the security and future they deserve for the work they do.

Living in the Bay Area, one of the most expensive places in the world comes with unique circumstances for workers. Without contractual support for long-term economics like health care, wages, and pensions, workers are left with a choice to either move away or start working more overtime. Most of us would like to think that we could continue to live in the house we raised our children in well into retirement, but this was moving out of reach for these members in their current situation.

So when they went on Strike, Teamsters 853 leadership called to ask for support for these members, and JC7 locals from across the Bay Area met the moment. For eight(8) days, these members, along with support from so many JC7 locals, walked the line. Not a single day went by without seeing members show up from other locals. Because of so much public visibility and pressure on the company, at the beginning of week two(II), an agreement was reached and proposed to the members. The company had had enough, and the workers were satisfied and ready to get back to their jobs with a victory in hand.

The result? A groundbreaking contract featuring a 13% wage increase on top of already competitive pay, improved workplace safety, paid administrative leave, and significant reductions in health care costs. This agreement stands as one of the strongest in the food delivery industry—a testament to the power of unity and collective action.

“I was so proud and humbled to have stood with all of these members through this fight,” said Ray Torres, Teamsters Local 853 Vice President and Strike Captain. “Their determination and desire for something better is a welcome addition to our Teamster Family at 853.”

Teamsters Local 853 Principal Officer Steve Beck echoed this sentiment: “These new members showed remarkable strength in the face of adversity. Their perseverance has earned them a new family within Teamsters Local 853, and we celebrate this monumental victory with them!” He continued, “But this win wasn’t just theirs—it was made possible by the unwavering support of the entire Teamster community. I want to personally thank Strike Captain Ray Torres and all the 853 Business Agents who stood by our members day and night, as well as Peter Finn and the leadership of Joint Council 7, Teamsters Warehouse Division Director Tom Erickson, and all the NorCal Teamsters Locals who played a part in making this strike a success. Their commitment did not go unnoticed. Under the leadership of General President Sean O’Brien, Teamsters are standing up and achieving unprecedented victories—and we are determined to keep that momentum going!”

Last Thought on the difficulty of striking: A Strike is no easy thing. A member decides that their long-term financial security takes priority over their current day-to-day financial security. They must lean on each other and stay focused, determined, and resilient in the face of this uncertainty. And that takes real courage. These members made the call and stepped up and earned this win. Congratulations to all the US Foods Teamsters in Livermore.

JC7 Locals Rally Around Striking Teamsters Who Went on to Secure an Industry-Leading Contract Read More »

Local 853 Costco Members Ratify Best Contract Yet

On Friday, March 7, Local 853 Costco Teamsters and Costco Teamsters across the country ratified a new three-year contract. The agreement includes wage increases, a twenty-two percent pension increase, premium increases, improved vacation, and, critically, a provision to make it easier to organize non-union employees for enhanced power at the bargaining table.

The approval of the agreement comes after months of arduous negotiations that took place all over the country, as is appropriate for a national agreement. In addition, rallies were held coast to coast, including a practice picket at the Hayward Business Center that brought together members from across Northern California.

Local 853 Costco Teamsters stood up and fought like they always do and ended up with the best contract in retail. Congratulations to all the members who made this win possible.

Local 853 Costco Members Ratify Best Contract Yet Read More »

What Does the Union Do For Me Anyway?

These are drivers from Mosaic Global Transportation and inter-campus drivers from Meta.

Due to the way the corporation has set up its business to maximize profits at workers’ expense, Meta and other companies rehire different driver companies roughly every year. If these members did not have a union contract with language to keep their standing and seniority, they would have to start over each time Meta chose a new company.

Without Union Representation

That’s right; imagine if you had to move to a new company every year and lose your seniority, pay scale, and benefits. This is a reality of employment outside of Union work.

With Union Representation

With the Union, these drivers have a career; without it, they would just be starting over every time the company hired a new driving contractor.

Real-world careers are built and protected.

As an example, these members followed their work from WeDriveU to Mosaic last year in March. Meta has now awarded the work back to WeDriveU. Seriously, it’s like a yo-yo. It will be exactly one year since the last transition.

This has happened ten(10) times since 2019 at a dizzying pace – and each time Teamsters 853 members are protected.

Compass to WeDriveU - Tesla,
Compass to WeDriveU - Genentech, 
Compass to WeDriveU - Netflix;
WeDriveU to Hallcon - Amazon, 
WeDriveU to Storer - Meta Coach, 
WeDriveU - Meta Inter campus to Mosaic; 
Hallcon to Mosaic -Meta Coach; 
Mosaic to WeDriveU - Meta inter campus, 
Mosaic to Hallcon - Meta Coach; 
Storer to Hallcon and 
WeDriveU -Meta Coach.

The contract language in the master shuttle agreement protects the drivers every time one contractor loses a client to another; they do not have to start over. Having a career in this industry would frankly be impossible without the Union. It’s also a clear example of how corporations have set rules that would destroy an employee’s chance at a career and only focus on maximizing profits for the corporation.

This is what the union does for the members. Day in and day out, 24-7, in every industry we serve. Protect the interest of the workers it serves.

Content and Story provided by Business Agent Tracy Kelley

What Does the Union Do For Me Anyway? Read More »

VISTAR DRIVERS, Welcome to Teamsters Local 853

VISTAR Brothers,
My name is Steve Beck, I am the secretary-treasurer and Principal Officer at Teamsters Local 853. I am responsible for leading Teamsters Local 853.

Congratulations on the vote you recently took to become a Teamster. I want to welcome you into our Teamster family formally. I have already heard about and witnessed the unity your group has shown, which propelled you to a high-margin win on your vote. This unity is going to serve you well.

Teamsters Local 853 represents 13,000 members just like you in the Bay Area from over 300 companies. We have considerable expertise in negotiating good contracts in your industry. Drivers at USFOODS, Coremark, UNFI, Sysco Foods, and Performance Food Groups are all Teamsters 853 members, so we know what fair wages and benefits look like in this industry, and we will be fighting to get you the salary and benefits you deserve for the work you provide.

We need your help and your participation.

For as long as I am here, you will hear me talk about the most important thing about being in a union. That is to be a well-informed member and to participate in the Teamster activities that affect you and your fellow members.

Unions are only as effective as their members’ unity and motivation to take a stand and help each other. Unity in numbers is how we get good contracts against greedy employers and how we get labor-friendly legislation. We vote for politicians who understand and support the working women and men who live in our communities, and we show up and use our collective voices to protest injustice in the workplace.

This is a battle between corporations whose sole mission is to make as much money as possible by any legal means… and the workers who usually deserve more than they get from those employers.

What can you do to start things off?

Please start getting involved now by signing up to our email list, where you will get important information on events that affect you and your coworkers here:

Sign Up

Follow our feeds on Facebook and Instagram, where you will regularly see members like you all over the Bay Area and the work they do.

On behalf of myself, Steven Lua, our President, and the entire staff at Teamsters Local 853, welcome again, and let’s do this smartly and together, the Union way.

In Union,
Steve Beck

VISTAR DRIVERS, Welcome to Teamsters Local 853 Read More »

Teamsters Local 853 secures 1.3 Million dollars in back pay for UNFI Drivers

After three years of battling for our members at UNFI, Teamsters Local 853 secured an incredible win for its members. Due to a contract violation over wage rates, Business Agent and Vice President Ray Torres enforced the merits of the agreement, arguing that significant back pay was due to these members. The company did not agree that they had violated the collective bargaining agreement, and so began a three-year grievance that ultimately resulted in arbitration.

Three long years later, after considerable back and forth, argument, and counter-argument, a decision that ruled in the favor of the Union was reached. The drivers at UNFI were victorious and secured a whopping 1.3 Million dollars in back pay.

This is a great example of why Unions are so important. Without the protection of a contract and the Local Union watching out for its members, that 1.3 Million dollars would never have been given to the workers who are entitled to it.

“It’s not about the size of the win.” Said Teamsters Local 853 President Steven Lua; “all wins, big and small, are important because they give justice to those who are impacted. Our members work hard for their money, and it’s our job to hold the company accountable to the agreements that we bargain.”

Congratulations to the UNFI workers who waited patiently and trusted their Union Leaders to get them what they deserve. Teamsters Local 853 will always have your backs and couldn’t be happier to get this win.

Teamsters Local 853 secures 1.3 Million dollars in back pay for UNFI Drivers Read More »

We shouldn’t forget how many Teamsters were on the front line during the pandemic, like these members at Bimbo Bakery

Pictured here are the hard-working Teamsters members of Bimbo Bakeries In Sunnyvale. While this building may not have the numbers or get all of the glory that larger buildings get, they provide an essential service to the community. It is often forgotten that during the pandemic, these dedicated members were out on the front lines, making sure that the shelves in your local supermarket were fully stocked.

At a time when uncertainty and unrest were at an all-time high, these Teamsters members stayed vigilant and focused on their jobs, all while knowing that their health and safety were at risk. So next time you are out and about, and you happen to see one of these drivers, thank them and remember that they are an important part of the food provided to this country.

We shouldn’t forget how many Teamsters were on the front line during the pandemic, like these members at Bimbo Bakery Read More »

Lux Bus Drivers Welcome to a better future for you and your family

This is Tracy Kelley from Teamsters Local 853. Congratulations on taking the first step to a better future. And welcome to the battle between you, the Lux Bus drivers, and the big business trying to stop you from getting the benefits and pay you deserve for the work you do.

We want to recognize you and encourage you to speak out and reach for something better at your job. Many of you have invested years of service at Lux Bus, and you deserve more. Now is your chance to speak out.  Rule number one: Give yourself a voice at this job.

It has come to our attention that Lux Bus has employed a common tactic by hiring a high-priced Union Buster company to help with their anti-worker, anti-union campaign against you.

So, I’m sure by now you may feel confused, doubtful, and maybe a little scared about unions. That’s their job. To create fear and make you doubt yourself so you don’t vote YES.

So, we want to set the record straight and give you the correct information to make an informed decision about how you can secure a much better future for you and your family.

Meeting Notice

We are having an in-person meeting next week on Saturday, October 5th, at our San Jose Union Hall at 10 AM at 1452 North Fourth Street, San Jose, CA 95112.

Here are some things we will discuss at the meeting.

  • You’re being paid below the prevailing wage for the work you do.
  • Your health care is too expensive and not compensated at nearly the level that Union companies get in your field.
  • Your retirement 401K and pension options are not up to industry standard; this is very uncommon.
  • Why has Lux Bus put you behind the 8-ball and strung you out for three years without a raise – this would not ever happen with a Union Contract.

We don’t want to overwhelm you, so I will say just please attend the meeting on October 5th. We can really dive into these deficits you are in and how we can get you the pay, benefits, and job protections you rightly deserve for the work you do.

Please watch your email and texts; we will send you more information a few more times before the meeting to give you more understanding and background of this life-changing decision you are embarking on.

Those of us who work this job have seen how Unions have made the lives of so many workers better, and it’s our mission to bring this success to as many working people as we can.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time if you have questions or concerns.  My cell number is ‭+1 (415) 425-3439‬,  or you can email me at tkelley@teamsters853.org. I am available to you.

Respectfully,

Tracy Kelley,

Teamsters Local 853

Lux Bus Drivers Welcome to a better future for you and your family Read More »

Our Teamster Family all over the Bay Area and Beyond

To our Bay Area Teamster Family. Teamsters Local 853 has members at over 300 companies who work all over the Bay Area. These members hustle like you do, put in the work like you do and are proud teamsters working toward a better future for all working people like you do. Take a moment to recognize each other. Whether you know each other or not, we are all working towards the same goal. Bringing fairness, equity, and dignity to the vital work we do for our communities.

And to all the Teamsters around the country who are part of our extended family. If you ever visit Northern California, know that you are welcome and have family here!! Let’s go, Teamsters!!!

Our Teamster Family all over the Bay Area and Beyond Read More »

Not so fast, Tony’s Fine Foods, we will take our jobs back with full back pay and benefits

Aurelio Mendoza and Ivan Gonzalez are Tony’s Fine Foods stewards who were instrumental in moving the organizing drive forward for their group. So when this group voted UNION YES, what did the company do? They tried to terminate the employment of Aurelio and Ivan on some trumped-up charges. How surprising.

Under the law, this is called retaliation, and it is illegal in the United States.

So despite the company’s best efforts to intimidate these members, we are happy to announce that, yes, the law is on our side. And with the help of Teamsters Local 853 under the guidance of Vice President Ray Torres, Aurelio and Ivan are both back to work with full back pay and back benefits.

And as a general rule, if you are an employer and illegally terminate key union members who also sit on the contract negotiating committee, you have just made extremely motivated enemies of the company. And they are going to bring that energy to the negotiating table and the company will pay the price for such an abuse of power.

Not so fast, Tony’s Fine Foods, we will take our jobs back with full back pay and benefits Read More »