Press Releases
UNFI Teamsters Unanimously Authorize Strike
Local 769 Warehouse Workers Demand Fair Contract, End to Unfair Labor Practices
Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org
(POMPANO BEACH, Fla.) – More than 200 warehouse workers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) have voted by a 100 percent margin to authorize a strike if the company fails to deliver a fair contract and immediately cease its unfair labor practices. The group is demanding an agreement that meets or exceeds the standard already secured by thousands of UNFI Teamsters nationwide.
“We organized as Teamsters to win a contract that respects the work we do,” said Vedjo Williamceau, a warehouse worker and member of Teamsters Local 769. “The company’s unfair labor practices and refusal to negotiate fair terms are unacceptable. If this continues, we will be left with no choice but to strike.”
Workers at UNFI’s Pompano Beach facility voted to join the Teamsters last year to secure higher wages, stronger benefits, and safer working conditions. Since 2022, more than 3,500 UNFI workers have joined the Teamsters, growing the union’s footprint to more than 5,500 members at the company nationwide.
“These workers exercised their legal right to form a union, and UNFI’s attempts to slow walk that process won’t be tolerated,” said Josh Zivalich, President of Local 769. “Management needs to get serious, stop breaking the law, and put a real contract on the table — or they’ll be dealing with the ramifications of a strike.”
UNFI is the primary distributor for Amazon-owned Whole Foods. Across the country, Teamsters are winning strong first contracts at UNFI facilities, raising wages, and improving working conditions. Workers in Pompano Beach are demanding the same standard.
“The entire Teamsters Union stands with these workers, and the more than 5,500 UNFI Teamsters across the country are ready to back them up,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “UNFI can either deliver a fair first contract, or they can face the consequences. If this company keeps stalling, Teamsters will be in the streets.”
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 X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.