September 9, 2014
By Stephanie West
Corona, California – On Thursday, Sept. 4th warehouse workers a US Foods in Corona, California voted by more than a 2-1 margin to join Teamsters Local Union 63 in Covina, California. The workers are concerned about job security as Sysco attempts to acquire US Foods.
While Sysco executives predict $600 million in savings from cost synergies at the warehouse and distribution level, the proposed acquisition is creating anxiety among employees who fear consolidation will mean job losses.
Prior to the election, a majority of the 75 warehouse workers at US Foods' Corona facility voiced support for union representation by signing authorization cards. Concurrently as the organizing was taking place, Sysco, the nation's largest industrial food service provider, began steps to acquire US Foods, the second-largest. The $3.5 billion transaction faces antitrust review by the Federal Trade Commission, and has drawn scrutiny from state attorneys general and customers concerned about the effects on competition.
"The workers in Corona, like the thousands of other workers across the United States, are tremendously concerned about this merger and this vote reflects that concern," said Randy Cammack, Teamsters Local 63 Secretary-Treasurer and International Vice President. "Workers are worried about their jobs and customers who rely on US Foods are also very concerned. We look forward to negotiating a strong contract that addresses the workers' concerns."
"I voted to become a Teamster to secure our jobs and to have a voice in the warehouse," said Roy Garcia, an eight-year employee.
*** The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents more than 1.4 million men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
