With a 162-0 vote, members have put Sysco on notice that they're prepared to walk at anytime. They say a failure to bargain in good faith, intimidation and unfair labor practices all lead up to this.
Members say they mean business. Their union local Teamsters 117 says Sysco is calling for six years of straight concessions to its healthcare plan, which workers say can't happen considering how physically demanding their jobs are.
Warehouse worker William Buff said he moves up to 20,000 pounds of food a day.
“I’d challenge anybody to come in and – just walk around your house and bend down and pick up, or even act like you’re picking up something, a thousand-plus times within an eight-hour period. You’re gonna lose weight, it’s a tough job and that’s why medical is so important,” he said.
This vote comes a week after a separate one last week against united natural foods incorporated, one of the largest natural foods distributors in Western Washington.
About 160-drivers and warehouse workers voted to authorize their strike because of production standards, retirement security and pay.
Natural foods stores like The Grainery in Burien say that could cause prices on some items to go up, which they'd have to pass onto customers.
The union says if it doesn't reach an agreement with sysco, members will more than likely picket in front of restaurants and possibly hospitals, but not in front of schools or nursing homes.
We were unable to reach Sysco for comment.
