Strike

Congressman Mike Thompson shows his support for striking Teamsters Local 853 members at Westlake as they walk the line for the sixth straight month

Teamsters Local 853 thanks Congressman Mike Thompson for his support in honoring the men and women of Westlake Royal Stone Solutions who work in his district.

Federal law requires Westlake to bargain in good faith. When the spirit or letter of that law is violated, Federal representatives like Congressman Thompson are there to stand with us.

“Our members at Westlake are very appreciative to have Congressman Thompson’s support.” Said Secretary-Treasurer Steve Beck. “They walk the line day and night for basic dignity. Having the support of the Congressman means they are one step closer to securing the fair pay, benefits, and job protections that all Californians are entitled to.”

See the letter of support below from the Congressman

Congressman Mike Thompson shows his support for striking Teamsters Local 853 members at Westlake as they walk the line for the sixth straight month Read More »

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 »

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 »

SYSCO Foods Teamsters in SF show their readiness to stand united for a better contract

SYSCO Foods Teamsters were out in force on an early Monday morning at 3 AM at SYSCO Foods to show their solidarity as they negotiate for a new contract. They authorized a vote two weeks ago to strike if needed, and now they are boots on the ground in an early morning huddle focused on their mental preparation for the upcoming contract fight. Determination and grit.

This is their first contract since before COVID-19. They are ready to go to the mat to get fairness in this next contract.

👍👍Hoping for the best case; which is being treated fairly at the table.

💪💪 But preparing for the worst with a full understanding that sometimes you have to fight like heck just for a fair shot.

SYSCO Foods Teamsters in SF show their readiness to stand united for a better contract Read More »

Stonewalled, bad faith, working against their own employees – This is why this new group of Teamsters is on Strike Against Westlake

Every once and a while, a Union sees a group that is so tight, so unified, that they are already acting like a Union, before they even vote. They trust each other, put their faith in each other, and believe in a better future together, with the friends and coworkers they spend their days with.

This is the story of this incredible group of 260 members at Westlake Royal Stone Solutions located at 350 Tower Rd, American Canyon, CA 94503.

A 1% Wage increase and a slap in the face

Unfortunately, this group of workers has been left with no other option than to go on strike because of their employers greediness. When Westlake offered a 1 percent wage increase, the workers represented by the Teamsters union decided it was time for the company to start taking them seriously. One percent is not even half the national average and less than a reasonable increase in comparison to the cost of living in Napa county and the state of California. Workers also continue to fight for better health benefits and safer working conditions

This community of workers has made Westlake the successful business that it is. So they are entitled to the better pay, benefits, and job protections that are commensurate with their contributions.

The strike

After eight months of negotiations, drawn out by Westlake Royal Stone Solution’s stonewalling and acting in bad faith, these members have exhausted every possible solution, and have been forced to go on strike.

So we are asking ALL of the Teamsters in the Bay Area to help these new members secure their future by spreading the word on Westlake and walking the picket line and supporting them. Let’s support these members and show our Bay Area communities that when Teamsters Strike, we have each other’s backs.

Where:
Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
350 Tower Rd, American Canyon, CA 94503
Indefinitely



Stonewalled, bad faith, working against their own employees – This is why this new group of Teamsters is on Strike Against Westlake Read More »

Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck Speaks in Arizona on the importance of the BreakThru Liquor Strike

Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck was in Arizona speaking to Teamsters Local 104 on the importance of extending the Breakthru Liquor picket line in Arizona, and what this fight means to the entire liquor industry.

“When you strive for equality, you are risking what little “you” possess for improvements. However, when you honor a picket line, you are risking what “you” have for what your sisters and brothers lack. There is no greater feeling than that, and the sisters and brothers at Local 104 in Arizona are 100% behind Florida!” Said Steve Beck.

On behalf of the BBSD division and Director Padellaro, we would like to express our gratitude to all the members of Teamsters Local 104 who stood strong. A special thank you goes to ST Karla Schumann, VP Josh Graves, Russell Medigovich, and Jason Kimley for their unwavering support in this effort!

Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Office Steve Beck Speaks in Arizona on the importance of the BreakThru Liquor Strike Read More »

US Foods Drivers End Strike – Secures Industry Leading Contract for Food Service industry

Teamsters Local 853 is excited to announce the end of the US Foods strike in Livermore, where a proposal was just voted on and has been ratified by the membership.

Point blank, this was an incredible, industry-leading contract that secured significant wage gains, badly needed health care relief and safety language that allowed the drivers to determine whether routes and trucks are safe to work, and authority to remedy safety concerns.

This contract has been a struggle from the start. These drivers voted to join the Teamsters in 2024 and, for many months, have been negotiating with the company. When things soured and their backs were against the wall, they had no choice but to strike. It was a decision that was not taken lightly.

“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 very welcome addition to our over 13,000-person strong Teamster Family at 853.”

This was a Teamster community effort. We want to recognize all of the members and other locals who took the time to stand with our members. Your support was critical in keeping the momentum and motivation up.

Special shout out to Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, Tom Erickson, for his guidance and support, and everyone who contributed at the IBT.

Stay tuned to this space, as there will be more to come, but for now, we want to recognize and congratulate every one of the drivers at US Foods in Livermore!!!!!!!

US Foods Drivers End Strike – Secures Industry Leading Contract for Food Service industry Read More »

THESE 177 NEW TEAMSTERS AT US FOODS ARE ON STRIKE, CAN YOU SUPPORT THEM?

Deciding to go on Strike is somewhat like going to war and should never be taken lightly. Every exhaustible position must be tried between the opposing parties before they reach this boiling point. So when these Teamster members were asked, “Have you explored every possible avenue to secure a fair contract?” and they answered “YES,” yet a contract still wasn’t reached, they had no choice but to go on strike.

This is the circumstance for 177 drivers at US Foods in Livermore who voted last year to join Teamsters Local 853, in search of securing the security and future they deserve for the work they do. The sticking points and goals have always revolved around long-term economics, such as health care and retirement.

Living in the Bay Area, one of the most expensive places in the world, comes with exceptional circumstances for workers. Because these members understand this and believe so passionately in long-term security, they were willing to sacrifice their own income to divert into a retirement plan with no cost to the company. But without contractual support for these goals, post retirement, these members will be left with a choice to either move away or start working more overtime hours now to improve their long-term economic viability. 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 seems out of reach for these members at this point.

So we are asking ALL of the Teamsters in the Bay Area to help these new member secure their future by walking the picket line and supporting these members in Livermore. US Foods has recently announced year-over-year record Net Profits, and these drivers helped put them there. So let’s support these members and show our Bay Area communities that when Teamsters Strike, we have each other’s backs.

Where: 
US Foods | Distribution Center
300 Lawrence Dr, Livermore, CA 94551
When: 
Any time after 7 PM, Sunday, March 2nd
Indefinitely 

Contact:
For any additional information on the Strike 
contact Teamsters Local 853 Vice-President Ray Torres at: ‭(661) 903-2980‬

ONLINE SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT

Generic Post Text Ideas

These new Teamsters at Local 853 have exhausted every avenue at the bargaining table and are at the end of their rope.  So they have chosen to STRIKE!! 

 If you are available to support our fellow Teamsters, please join them and walk the picket line. SHOW UP, BE LOUD, let US FOODS know we’re gonna fight hard, and do what it takes! 

Where: 
US Foods | Distribution Center
300 Lawrence Dr, Livermore, CA 94551
When: 
Any time after 7 PM, Sunday, March 2nd
Indefinitely 

Contact:
For any additional information on the Strike 
contact Teamsters Local 853 Vice-President Ray Torres at: ‭(661) 903-2980‬

Just Right Click to Download – Save Image As

Walking the line

THESE 177 NEW TEAMSTERS AT US FOODS ARE ON STRIKE, CAN YOU SUPPORT THEM? Read More »

Teamsters Local 912, now 853, was the center of the Universe in the 1980s during the Watsonville Strike – watch the Movie, March 8th

Sisters and Brothers,

During a time when Ronald Reagan broke the back of the Air Traffic Controllers, Union work and protections was heavily debated. It was during this time that these Teamsters went on Strike for eighteen(18) months as a beacon of solidarity and justice for the workers who make all the money for the frozen foods corporations in Watsonville.

On March 8th, there will be a screening of a documentary that highlights their struggle. This is a significant part of the history of the Parajo Valley. Don’t miss the opportunity to understand what the workers before you had to do to establish the rights, wages, and benefits you now enjoy. And the legacy they have left you.

Be sure to get tickets in advance here at this link 👉 Watsonville on Strike.

Get tickets

Also showing after is a follow-up documentary: Daughters of the Strike / Hijas de la huelga. (This short film features sisters Blanca and Wendy, and their mother Sylvia, a former cannery worker and one of the striking workers during the historic Watsonville Cannery Strike of the mid-1980s. )

CineLux Green Valley Cinema
Movie Theater
1125 South Green Valley Road Watsonville, CA 95076
March 8, 2025, 6:30 - 8:30 PM PST

Watsonville On Strike is an intimate portrait of the 18-month cannery workers’ strike which virtually paralyzed this rural California town

This superb documentary showing the unvarnished facts of long, hard-fought labor battle–workers united, workers divided, the high and low points–may be the best introduction yet available to the realities of class struggle as it exists today. 

–Jessica Mitford, Author

Update: March 20th

Teamsters 853 Business Agents Santos Lerma, Gloria Segura, and Ralph Campos were in attendance for this film. Below are some of the women who participated in the strike and attended the showing. 18 Months was the strike of all strikes. These members are amazing.

Teamsters Local 912, now 853, was the center of the Universe in the 1980s during the Watsonville Strike – watch the Movie, March 8th Read More »

Martin Luther King Jr.: Champion of Labor Unions and Equality for All

853 Sisters and Brothers,

On this MLK day, we would like to remind you of the ties between King’s efforts and the success of the Labor Movement in the 50s and 60s. We felt it important we understand the history of a man whose efforts built a foundation that we all now stand on.

Labor and Equal Rights

Martin Luther King Jr. was not only a leader in the civil rights movement but also a passionate advocate for labor unions and workers’ rights. He understood that economic justice was inseparable from racial equality and believed that unions were essential to building a fair and equitable society. King’s work demonstrated that the fight for civil rights was also a fight for the dignity and well-being of all workers, regardless of race or class.

King consistently supported labor unions, viewing them as a powerful force for social and economic change. He praised the labor movement for transforming oppressive conditions into progress and opportunity, declaring that unions were “the first anti-poverty program.” King stood in solidarity with workers, joining strikes and protests to demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize.

King’s Death

Tragically, King was killed in Memphis, there to support the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike, where he championed the cause of Black workers who marched under the rallying cry “I Am a Man.” Cementing his legacy as a tireless advocate for labor rights.

Equality in our modern time

While labor unions were central to King’s vision, his advocacy extended to broader struggles for equality. He believed that economic justice and racial justice were deeply intertwined and that no group could achieve true freedom without solidarity among all marginalized communities. King often emphasized that injustice in one area threatened justice everywhere, urging people of all backgrounds to unite in the pursuit of equality.

King’s legacy as a champion of labor unions and universal human dignity serves as a reminder that the fight for justice requires collective action. His unwavering commitment to economic and social equality continues to inspire movements for fairness and opportunity today.

Martin Luther King Jr.: Champion of Labor Unions and Equality for All Read More »