Drivers Organize with Local 745 for Better Wages, Working Conditions

(GRAPELAND, Texas) – Workers at Darling Ingredients have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 745. The drivers, who haul and recycle poultry byproducts, organized with Local 745 to secure better working conditions, higher wages, and improved benefits.

Drivers at Darling Ingredients’ Grapeland facility join fellow Darling drivers in Dallas who are already represented by Local 745.

“We recognized the benefits of becoming Teamsters when comparing our workplace to our brothers in Dallas. We are underpaid, and our management showed too much favoritism. Our decision to organize with the Teamsters will level the playing field,” said Jay Bridges, a driver at Darling and member of Local 745.

“Darling drivers at Grapeland have finally gained the respect they deserve. Now it is time to win a contract that reflects their hard work and dedication,” said Michael Perez, business agent at Local 745.

“I want to congratulate these workers on becoming Teamsters and welcome them to Local 745,” said Brent Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Teamsters International Southern Region Vice President. “We look forward to securing a strong first contract for improved pay, benefits, and working conditions like those enjoyed by existing Darling Teamsters.”

Teamsters Local 745 represents workers in a wide variety of industries throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the surrounding communities. For more information, go to teamsters745.org.

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