From Strike Authorization to the richest, and first ever, regional contract in the country, SYSCO ratifies four years

SYSCO in San Francisco was ground zero. The first food service groups to Unionize in the Bay Area. They set the tone for so many others to follow. UNFI, Tony’s Fine Foods, VISTAR, US Food, and Performance Food Groups are all now under contract since that first contract by SYSCO.

So when SYSCO came up to 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

As 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 to pursue the first Regional contract that would cover all three locals. This is a classic win-win for all involved. The greater our numbers, the more leverage and authority the Teamsters have to seek improvements for their members. SYSCO also wins, having one group to bargain with, thereby reducing the potential disruptions of three negative union actions working separately to secure three separate contracts.

There were many sticking points on the way. Job safety was a paramount issue identified during negotiations and almost derailed the contract.

On the job safety a major issue in SYSCO Negotiations – Strike Deadline Set