PLYMPTON, Mass. — After months of all-out economic ‘warfare’ between America’s largest foodservice distributor and America’s most powerful labor union, Sysco agreed to withdraw attacks and lawsuits on locals around the country.
Truck drivers at Sysco Boston voted 215-2, successfully ending the strike with a resounding victory for more than 300 members of the Teamsters Local 653 in Plympton, Mass.
Hundreds of drivers for the food delivery service in Plympton walked off the job on October 1 in a dispute over pay and benefits.
Now, this new five-year agreement includes significant improvements, including an $11.00 per hour raise over five years (starting with $5.00 in year one); life-changing improvements in retirement benefits; maintenance of industry-leading, affordable union health care; overtime improvements; and MLK Day as a paid holiday.
Sysco said it is pleased that the strike is over and looks forward to getting back to business.
“I’ve never been prouder to be a Teamster. This fight proves that we truly are the biggest, fastest, strongest union in the world,” said Kevin Whitten, a 15-year driver at Sysco Boston and shop steward for Local 653. “This strike brought members together like never before and built solidarity that will continue for years to come. We want to thank everyone from across the country who stood with us. Sysco will now think twice before trying to take on the Teamsters.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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