United Natural Foods, Inc. warehouse workers have voted to join Teamsters Local 493 in Uncasville, Connecticut. The 185 selectors, loaders, lift operators, and other warehouse workers seek representation to win higher wages, better health care, and a pension.
"We are very proud today to call ourselves Teamsters! We fought hard to give ourselves a voice on the job, fighting for respect and dignity," said Nana Kumah, a second shift loader at UNFI and leading voice on the worker-led organizing committee, in a statement.
Kumah and his co-workers overcame a vicious anti-union campaign by the company, according to the Teamsters. They will now join more than 3,500 UNFI Teamsters across the country.
"These workers had been treated so bad for so long. They deserved better. We look forward to getting to the table and getting them dignity and respect," said Bevan J. Sweet, secretary-treasurer of Local 493, in a statement. "The drivers and clerical workers were already members, so the warehouse workers were the last piece of the puzzle. We have more leverage at the table now than ever before."
Once the election is certified, Sweet said Local 493 will kick off proposal meetings and begin the bargaining process for a first contract.
"UNFI workers in Connecticut came together to take on their employer and demand respect. This determined group was fearless and never wavered in their campaign to win strong representation. Today's victory was all about raising the bar and improving standards," said Tom Erickson, director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, in a statement. "Workers are taking control of their future at UNFI facilities across the country. From coast to coast, worker activism has been infectious and organizing efforts are spreading like wildfire."
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