Press Releases
UNFI Workers in Georgia Join Teamsters
Organizing Momentum Continues as 99 Drivers in Atlanta Choose Teamsters
Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@teamster.org
(ATLANTA) – Drivers at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) in Atlanta have voted by 95 percent to join the Teamsters. The organizing victory marks the end of a monthslong campaign by UNFI workers to win strong union representation and is the second Teamsters organizing victory at the company in less than two months.
The successful unionization effort comes at a critical juncture, amid UNFI’s union-busting attempts at its facilities in Sarasota and Pompano Beach, Fla., where Teamsters are currently organizing. UNFI is arguing that the NLRB should not conduct an election because it outsourced its driver positions to a notorious anti-union carrier. The Teamsters have filed unfair labor practice charges against UNFI for its obvious and unlawful attempt to destroy workers’ rights.
“I voted for the Teamsters for improved wages, better benefits and a pension, and real job security,” said Stephen Oloyde, a 22-year driver at UNFI. “With the recent news of UNFI’s attempts to outsource driver jobs in Florida, it’s more crucial than ever to stand together and protect ourselves.”
The win in Atlanta follows recent Teamsters organizing victories at UNFI in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Last year, more than 1,000 workers at the company voted to join the Teamsters nationwide. The Teamsters represent more than 4,000 members at UNFI across the U.S.
“This resonant victory is just the latest example of UNFI workers joining together to take control of their workplace. Our momentum keeps growing, and each win is a resounding declaration to corporations everywhere: workers will not be silenced, intimidated, or exploited,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “We will not allow this company to take its workers for granted. If UNFI wants to continue committing serious unfair labor practices, they will embolden and mobilize more workers to join our fight. And we will continue to win.”
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.