Cold storage warehouse workers at Americold in Darien, Wisc., have voted by nearly a 2-1 margin to join Teamsters Local 695 in Madison, Wisc. There are 133 workers in the bargaining unit.

“We’ve lost a lot over the years. We’ve needed a union for a long time here,” said Kirk Schmitz, a seven-year employee at Americold. “We just became Teamsters and already we have protections.”

“We are looking forward to addressing the concerns of the workers while negotiating the initial agreement with Americold. Concerns regarding seniority, discipline, safety and economics will be at the forefront of the discussions,” said Wayne Schultz, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 695. “The officers, agents and staff of Local 695 are eager to serve these members, and look forward to a harmonious relationship with Americold.”

The new Teamsters at Americold warehouse pizza, ice cream, vegetables and other frozen products.

The Teamsters Union represents workers at 43 Americold warehouses across the U.S. and Canada.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via email