More than 1,000 Teamsters working at Bimbo Bakeries in Southern California have approved a new five-year contract that includes wage increases and improved benefits after coming within 48 hours of a strike.
The Southern California Master Bakery Agreement covers merchandisers, route sales representatives and transporters. Workers ratified the deal following negotiations that nearly resulted in a work stoppage when the employer made an improved offer at the last minute.
Strike threat proves effective: Teamsters
The contract includes wage increases to both base pay and commission rates, expanded pension benefits and reduced health care costs for workers.
“The threat of a strike was effective, and we ended up winning an amazing contract,” said Jaiver Franco, a steward with Teamsters Local 166.
Workers were prepared to walk off the job before Bimbo Bakeries returned with a better proposal, according to union officials.
Third major Teamsters victory at Bimbo
The agreement represents the third significant contract win for Teamsters at Bimbo Bakeries in recent years. The union’s Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference secured similar agreements in Washington State and Northern California in 2024.
“Our committee was focused, diligent, and united throughout the entire process,” said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. “This agreement raises standards for every worker in the industry. It embodies what Teamsters do best — we mobilize, we fight, and we take on employers to win the contracts we deserve.”
Industry implications
The contract outcome could influence negotiations at other bakery operations across the region, as unions increasingly use strike authorization votes and credible strike threats to pressure employers during bargaining.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The union was founded in 1903.
