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.
