California Drivers Prepare to Fight for First Union Contract
HELM, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Drivers at J.R. Simplot have voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 431 after months of organizing at this major agricultural company in Central Valley.
"When workers in the unit first approached Local 431 about organizing, we knew that they were ready to put in the work to get this done," said Justin Scott, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 431. "They were eager to finally have their voices heard by the company, and we are excited they will be joining the long Teamsters history of delivering strong contracts for the improvement of working people's lives."
The 16 drivers at the Helm facility deliver hazardous agricultural materials including herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides among other products for retail customers and farms across the region.
The group of workers are highly trained and obtained a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and hazardous materials hauling endorsement.
"For years, management made empty promises about wages and benefits, but now we have the strength to hold them accountable," said Manuel Martinez, a driver and member of Local 431. "As Teamsters, we will finally get the respect we deserve from this company."
"I'm so happy we organized at this company," said Jose "Pepe" Servin, a driver and member of Local 431. "I was a Teamster before, and I know they deliver strong wages, health care and retirement benefits. Once we had an election, my dream of being a Teamster again became a reality. Now we're fighting for a fair first contract."
J.R. Simplot is one of the world's largest agribusinesses in the farming industry.
Teamsters Local 431 represents over 2,700 members across Madera and Fresno
Counties. For more information, go to teamsterslocal431.org.
Contact:
Alexandra Banash, (510) 418-2612
[email protected]
SOURCE Teamsters Local 431
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