LOCAL
Contract win! Darigold drivers ratify new 4-year contract
The following is from Teamsters Local 117:
TUKWILA, Wash. (Nov. 16, 2020) — Darigold delivery drivers voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new 4-year contract agreement on Sunday. The vote took place after an update meeting at the Teamsters Union hall in Tukwila. The group of 68 drivers had been working without a contract since August. Drivers voted unanimously to authorize a strike in September, but talks late last week with the company resulted in a fair contract proposal with wage and pension increases as well as good family medical benefits.
Throughout negotiations, the group stood strong. Over 200 Darigold production workers at the Rainier and Issaquah facilities, as well as hundreds of community allies, expressed their unwavering support of the drivers.
“Our members at Darigold – both the drivers and production workers – are united in defending their livelihoods and demanding respect,” said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. “These are essential workers who are committed to supplying dairy products to families across our region despite the risks caused by the pandemic. In the end, Darigold recognized the benefit of their labor and the power of their solidarity and put forth an improved contract proposal that the group overwhelmingly ratified. This is the best possible outcome for all of our members at Darigold, for the Company, and for our community.”
Teamsters 117 is one of the most powerful, diverse, and dynamic unions in the Pacific Northwest. With more than 17,000 members, the union has grown to become the second largest Teamsters local in the country. From accountants to zookeepers, Local 117 members work in a mix of public service and private sector jobs. For more information, visit Teamsters117.org.
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