Workers Join 275 Sysco Drivers and Warehouse Workers Already Represented by Local 117

(TUKWILA, Wash.) – Workers at Sysco’s distribution center in Kent, Wash., have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 117. The group of 12 workers, who play a role in various aspects of the logistical operations at the facility, will join approximately 275 drivers and warehouse workers already represented by Local 117.

“Organized worker power at Sysco continues to grow in the Pacific Northwest and across the country,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “Despite the company’s cynical efforts to stifle their voice, these workers courageously stood together and demanded Teamsters representation and respect. I want to congratulate them and welcome them to our union.”

With this vote, a range of additional classifications will now be represented by Local 117, including driver check-in associates, QA inspectors, inventory control and cycle counter associates, recoup specialists, and will call associates.

“As an inventory control associate, my team and I make sure quality ingredients and products are available to our customers,” said Krystal Miller-Parker, who has worked at Sysco for 7 years. “During my time at Sysco, my co-workers and I felt left out. Joining Teamsters Local 117 will bring us together with our driver and warehouse siblings. Together we will have a stronger voice.”

Local 117 Teamsters at Sysco showed strong solidarity with their unorganized co-workers during the unionization process.

“I spoke to people one-on-one, and they were all for it,” said Will Buff, a 20-year warehouse worker, who serves on the union’s Executive Board and helped with the organizing drive. “You know our group at Sysco – we want to grow our union. It’s about enhancing people’s lives. Whether it’s getting better medical, higher pay, or a secure retirement – we want to succeed, but we also want others to succeed. The union life is the only life. It’s our job to improve the world.”

Workers began organizing a few months ago citing the need for fair wages, workplace protections, and retirement security. Throughout their organizing campaign they overcame the company’s repeated attempts to undermine their union.

“As a cycle counter, we make sure our inventory is correct and readily available for our customers,” said Wendy Flores, who has been with the company for a little over a year. “Forming our union with Local 117 was uplifting and has built solidarity among my co-workers. I work hard every day and joining Local 117 will bring dignity to our work.”

Teamsters Local 117 represents 17,000 men and women at 200 employers across Washington State. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.

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