Many grocery stores in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey might face operational disruptions from a strike by members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The union is targeting UNFI, a wholesale food distributor, with claims that it is not taking Covid-19 safety protocols seriously and is putting the health of Teamster members who work for the company at risk. The Teamsters alleged that UNFI failed to provide workers with protective equipment and sanitizing tools, with many employees being forced to supply their own equipment and cleaning supplies.
More than 120 Teamster delivery drivers at UNFI in the Hudson Valley, represented by Teamsters Local Union 445, have voted to strike, but the union has yet to formally call for a job walkout. UNFI”™s clients include the Whole Foods, Stop & Shop and Foodtown chains.
“UNFI’s efforts to circumvent Covid-19 safety regulations in New York shows contempt for our communities, for public health officials and elected leaders, and especially their own essential workers, all of whom have struggled for eight months to contain the spread of this deadly virus,” said Dan Maldonado, president of Teamsters Local 445.
“UNFI should be doing everything it can to keep families safe at Thanksgiving,” he continued, “but we’re worried that the company’s negligence could contribute to Covid-19 spikes, and UNFI workers are ready to do whatever it takes to protect our communities, especially as we enter the holiday season.”
The Teamsters added their union represents approximately 3,700 UNFI workers in 17 states that could honor picket line extensions within this region.
This action needs to be tooken seriously. The fact of the matter, that this is very contagious plague. I’m a 495 member. I support an action. GO 445 TEAMSTER
Taken not token. Pandemic not plague.
Im not a teamster but im local 28 amd its imperative themat we protect ourselves as well as our family and others around us in these challenging times. Go 445 you have my support!!!
Excuse my typos please my phone and it’s keyboard dont always play fair.
Why is there no comment from the company? UNFI is known for healthy products and sustainable operations. When it first opened its DC in the Hudson Valley, it paid its workers higher wages than other, similar warehouses in the region. It does not make sense that UNFI would put its employees at risk?