US Foods Workers In Corona, California Vote To Join Teamsters Local 63

CORONA, Calif., Sept. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, Sept. 4, US Foods warehouse workers in Corona, Calif. voted by more than a 2-1 margin to join Teamsters Local Union 63 in Covina, Calif. The workers are concerned about job security as Sysco attempts to acquire their employer.

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, as Sysco, the nation's largest industrial food service provider, seeks 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 hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The IBT represents more than 11,600 members at Sysco and US Foods.  

"Like" us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SyscoUSFworkers for more information on the Sysco/US Foods campaign.

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters