Hunts Point Market Teamsters Overwhelmingly Ratify New Three-year Agreement

BRONX, N.Y., Jan. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, workers at the Hunts Point Produce Market represented by Teamsters Local 202 in the Bronx, overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year agreement that provides financial security and affordable health care for the nearly 1,300 members and their families.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO)

The workers, which include produce market warehousemen, drivers and sales representatives, reviewed the contract Thursday evening and then voted from midnight to Friday at 10 a.m. More than 95 percent of the voters approved the contract, which takes effect May 1, 2012.

"Our members voted on the merit of this contract, clearly demonstrating that they thought the negotiating committee delivered a strong agreement," said Danny Kane, President of Teamsters Local 202. "With this process behind us, our members are looking forward to doing what they do best – serving New York City and the tri-state area by keeping the best produce in the world flowing to the grocery stores and restaurants."

In addition to wage increases and contributions to the pension, the contract included improvements to the health care benefits that lower out-of-pocket costs, reducing or eliminating co-pays, deductions and coinsurance. The improvements to the health care benefits total more than $1.7 million each year of the contract.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.Teamster.org or follow us on Twitter @TeamsterPower.

SOURCE Teamsters Local Union 202