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US Foods, Teamsters Reach Agreement

Following a three-week strike and picket lines of drivers represented by Teamsters Local 705 for what they deemed to be unfair labor practices, US Foods Holding Corp., one of America’s largest foodservice distributors, and the union that represents the company’s drivers in Bensenville, Illinois, have reached a fully recommended agreement.

The new three-year agreement includes significant wage increases and improvements to health care, pension, and safety for more than 130 drivers at the company, according to Teamsters Local 705.

“The agreement recognizes the hard-working US Foods Bensenville drivers and enables the company to continue to grow the business as it serves its valued customers in the Chicagoland area,” said US Foods Holding Corp., in a statement.

Drivers began striking on Jan. 8 at the US Foods distribution center in Bensenville after weeks of contentious contract negotiations, according to Local 705. Its contract with US Foods expired on Dec. 29.

"We will always do whatever it takes to safeguard our members and strike any company that attempts to undermine their rights," said Teamsters general president Sean M. O'Brien, in a statement.

US Foods expects the contract to be ratified on February 3.

Related: Walmart Faces Union-Related NLRB Complaint; UNFI Automates Pennsylvania Distribution Center.