Headline News
Food Service Workers in Idaho and Oregon Join Teamsters Locals 483 and 670
On Friday, March 8, a group of 34 drivers in Idaho and Oregon working at Food Services of America, Inc., which US Foods is in the process of purchasing, voted to become members of Teamsters Local 483 in Boise, Idaho and Local 670 in Salem, Oregon.
The two locals filed a combined petition to represent the workers. The vote was 23-9 in favor of Teamster representation. Local 483 will represent 32 of the 34 workers, while Local 670 will represent two.
“It feels good to be a Teamster,” said Vince Nye, an employee in Meridian, Idaho for the past four and a half years. “We are seeking fair pay.”
“For far too long, this company has taken advantage of these workers,” said Timothy Acevez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 483. “We look forward to negotiating a first contract that will address wages, benefits and working conditions. The workers deserve security for themselves and for their families.”
“The workers are also tired of the company’s empty promises and they want to be treated with respect,” Acevez said.
“The company, for too long, has denied these workers the wages, benefits, protections and respect afforded the vast majority of other FSA workers already covered by Teamster contracts,” said Michael Beranbaum, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 670. “We along with Local 483 and the International Union are committed to fighting alongside these workers to achieve the dignity, respect and first contract they deserve.”
The Teamsters Union is also working to give the remaining non-union FSA employees the same protections.
Last July, US Foods Holding Corp. announced it was buying five operating companies collectively known as SGA’s Food Group of Companies, for $1.8 billion in cash. The purchase includes Food Services of America, one of the largest regional broadline distribution companies in the country serving 16 states in the West and Midwest.