Warehouse Drivers Win Representation with Teamsters Local 252

(CENTRALIA, Wash.) – Drivers at America’s largest organic and natural food supplier, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 252 in Centralia, Wash. The 53-worker group overcame a vicious anti-union campaign by the company to win strong representation. They are seeking improvements to wages, working conditions, and health care and retirement benefits.

“The whole premise behind organizing was to make things better on the job. My co-workers and I knew we deserved better, and that it was time to put the power in our hands by becoming Teamsters,” said Nic Denman, a four-year driver at UNFI who spearheaded the organizing effort. “We need a real raise that keeps up with the cost of living. The cost of our benefits has gone up significantly and that is another thing we look forward to addressing in contract negotiations.” 

Once the election is certified, Local 252 will begin proposal meetings and start the bargaining process for a first contract.

The win in Washington State follows recent organizing victories at UNFI in Iowa, Connecticut, and California. The Teamsters represent approximately 4,000 Teamsters at the company nationwide.

“UNFI drivers in Washington State were determined to win strong representation. This campaign was all about gaining a voice on the job to raise standards,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “All across the country, warehouse workers are standing together to take control of their future at UNFI. Organizing efforts continue to spread like wildfire and are currently underway at several locations throughout the U.S.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. 

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