Press Releases
Workers at Packaging Corporation of America Join Teamsters
Organizing Momentum Continues as More Print Industry Workers Choose Teamsters, Leave PPPWU
Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@teamster.org
(CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif.) – Workers at Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in City of Industry, Calif., have voted unanimously for representation with Teamsters Local 572, becoming the second group of print industry workers to join the union this month.
“We had been unhappy with our former local union for quite some time and didn’t feel like we had any support. The Teamsters were helpful and responsive from Day One. They understand our needs as a whole and immediately jumped into action,” said Mike Regalado, a 10-year forklift operator at PCA with over 28 years of experience in the industry. “Without everyone being onboard, this couldn’t have happened. We’re all looking forward to positive changes!”
The victory at PCA is part of a growing national movement of print industry workers seeking a real union voice on the job. Regalado and his co-workers said they organized with the Teamsters to gain strong representation to fix years of workplace concerns that their former union, the PPPWU, failed to address.
“I am delighted to welcome the third group of print industry workers to Local 572 in just a matter of weeks. We look forward to working alongside them to get the strong contract they have long needed and deserve,” said Lourdes Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 572. “Securing Teamster representation is one of the best things workers can do to protect themselves and their families. After years of poor representation under their former union, this determined and dedicated group have finally gained a true voice on the job.”
The 27 PCA workers will join with print industry workers from across the country who recently voted to join the Teamsters, including more than 200 workers at Graphic Packaging in Chicago, 110 workers at WestRock in Salinas, Calif., 60 workers at Southland Box in Vernon, Calif., and 71 workers at Sonoco in Los Angeles.
Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org to learn more and follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.