SYSCO Foods San Francisco. When no other food service industry drivers or warehouse workers wanted to unionize, these members did.
They broke the Union barrier in the Bay Area. And because of their courage those years ago, Performance Food Group followed, Tony’s Fine Foods followed, UNFI followed, US Foods followed, and VISTAR followed.
This group paved the way for so many Teamster 853 members and opened a door to a better life.
Fast-forward to 2025
Now that every major food service company in the Bay Area has workers represented by the Teamsters 853 Union, our unity and size now elevates the entire industry. Really think about what that means. An entire industry. We want to acknowledge the positive impact SYSCO San Francisco has had on so many others. This is the power of that one group who can break the ice for themselves and others.
Sysco Foods Teamsters in SF approve a Strike Vote
This group of members is now approaching their first contract since before COVID-19. Here they are pictured at their first proposal meeting as they approved a strike vote. So just like those many years ago, they are ready to go to the mat to get fairness in their next contract.
SYSCO Foods SF will be negotiating at the table for the first time with its sister companies in Sacramento and Reno. A first-ever for this industry in Northern California and Nevada.
“This is the first-ever multi-location contract for the food industry in Northern CA, and it is a milestone.” Said Teamster Local 853 Vice President Ray Torres, “It’s good for both Teamsters and the company to streamline the negotiation process, which in turn leaves resources otherwise spent on 3 divided negotiations to go right into the pockets of our workers. If done in good faith, it’s a win-win.”
“We are going to take every available opportunity to better the position of our members,” Said Steve Beck Jr., Teamsters Local 853 Secretary-Treasurer. “The unity we show across San Francisco, and our sister locals in Sacramento and Reno, does this. And because we are so strong and united, this will open doors that normally would be closed for these members.”
Teamsters Local 853 also wants to acknowledge and thank Warehouse Division Vice-President Tom Erickson and the Leadership of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, General President Sean O’Brien, and Fred Zuckerman for offering the top-down guidance to work across multiple geographic locations to get a stronger contract for all members involved.
Stay tuned, and let’s support them as they work their way towards this new contract.
