A group of 77 drivers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Sturtevant, Wisconsin, voted by a 2-to-1 margin to join Teamsters Local 200, seeking better wages, benefits and improved working conditions.
The organizing victory adds to a growing trend of unionization at UNFI, which serves as the largest distributor for Whole Foods. Since 2022, more than 3,000 workers across the company have joined the Teamsters union.
“These workers organized with purpose and determination, and we are proud to welcome them into our local union,” said Jeff Bandur, president of Local 200. “Now, we’ll fight to win a first contract that reflects their hard work and is in line with what other UNFI Teamsters have already achieved nationwide.”
Recent contract victories
The Wisconsin vote follows several first contract victories for newly organized UNFI workers. Last month, over 1,000 Teamsters at company facilities in Florida, Georgia, and Illinois ratified agreements that secured $8 hourly raises, Teamsters health care benefits, a defined-benefit pension plan, enhanced seniority rights and additional paid time off.
“We joined the Teamsters because we want what’s fair — better pay, better benefits, and a voice on the job,” said Omar Correa, a UNFI driver in Sturtevant and new member of Local 200. “We saw what Teamsters at other UNFI sites won, and we are ready to fight for the same.”
Growing union presence
The Teamsters union, which represents 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has been actively expanding its presence at UNFI locations nationwide.
“The Teamsters are raising expectations for every UNFI worker in the country,” said Tom Erickson, director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division and Central Region International vice president. “We’re organizing, we’re growing, and we’re not backing down. Our expanding strength is setting the standard at the company, and we won’t stop until every UNFI worker is protected by a strong Teamsters contract.”
The newly organized Wisconsin drivers will now prepare to negotiate their first union contract with UNFI management.
