Arizona U.S. Foodservice Workers Win Teamster Representation (reinstatement and back pay)

http://sev.prnewswire.com/food-beverages/20090528/DC2380128052009-1.html

NLRB Hands Down Settlement that Secures Union Recognition, Reinstates Workers


WASHINGTON, May 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workers at U.S. Foodservice in Phoenix have won union representation with Teamsters Local 104 after a year-long fight to claim their rights under U.S. labor laws following a settlement handed down by the National Labor Relations Board.


The settlement includes union recognition for the 250 workers as well as reinstatement and back pay for employees terminated during the organizing efforts. Region 28 of the NLRB had cited U.S. Foodservice for violating the law almost 200 times during the workers' organizing effort. The worker committee will now bargain for its first contract with U.S. Foodservice.


"This is a huge victory for us at U.S. Foodservice who have worked to form a union for a long time. Now we can negotiate a union contract for better working conditions, but most importantly, we have gained dignity and respect," said Ryan Proctor, a U.S. Foodservice warehouse worker in Phoenix. "Our fired co-workers are coming back to work."


"We look forward to going to the bargaining table to establish a just and long-term relationship with the U.S. Foodservice Arizona Division. I am confident that we will reach an agreement that will be good for both the employees and the company," said John Williams, Teamsters Warehouse Division Director.


Rosemont, Ill.-based U.S. Foodservice, owned by private equity firms Kohlberg, Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Clayton Dubilier & Rice, Inc. (CD&R), is one of the largest food distributors in the United States. Holding contracts with numerous businesses and organizations, U.S. Foodservice supplies food to millions around the country, including the U.S. Defense and Veterans Affairs departments.


Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Website: http://www.teamster.org

And Arizona is not a union state, so that makes this win all the more impressive.