Drivers of Teamsters Local 120 on Strike Alleging Sysco Western Minnesota Violated Labor Law Practices

Originally posted February 10th, 2022 at 9:40 a.m.

Updated February 10th, 2022 at 7:11 p.m.

(KNSI) — Members of the Teamsters Local 120 are on strike as of 10:00 Wednesday night, alleging their employer, Sysco of Western Minnesota, has committed unfair labor practices, including withholding critical information on benefit plan offerings and making changes to working conditions unilaterally.

The Union provided a statement to KNSI in which 20 year Sysco employee Jeff Schreiner says the workers “want to be treated fairly. It’s astounding that this company won’t even follow established labor laws at their St. Cloud location. Other Sysco locations don’t have the same problems; it really feels like they think we are second-rate drivers that aren’t smart enough to stand up for our rights.

“By managements own numbers, our compensation package is nearly 50% less than what Sysco offers in Mounds View. It’s offensive to be consistently treated as second rate. These are hard jobs, we don’t just drive a truck. We are also offloading entire truckloads by hand each day. We just want the company to follow the law and treat us fairly.”

One main sticking point is healthcare benefits. Teamsters say Sysco won’t let them see what’s in the benefits package until members sign off on it first.

Teamsters Local 120 Business Agent Rich Fredrick, the group’s representative, says he’s never seen a foodservice supplier behave the way Sysco Western MN has.

“I’ve been involved in the industry for two decades, I’ve had arguments with employers in the past but I’ve never seen one so blatantly violate the law and treat both their customers and their employees so disrepectfully. There are going to be a lot of restraunts, schools and movie theaters who won’t be getting their food delivery because Sysco Western MN thinks they are above the law.”

Sysco emailed a statement to KNSI which reads:

“We are disappointed that, at this critical time, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 120, who represents our driver associates, has implemented a work stoppage at our Sysco Western Minnesota site.

“Our bargaining team has made an offer that would place our drivers well in excess of the majority of other drivers in the local market when comparing wages and benefits.

“In comparison, the union’s unreasonable demands would increase Sysco Western Minnesota’s combined wage and benefit costs by more than 50% in the first year of the contract. An increase of this magnitude would place an unreasonable burden on our business and can ultimately lead to an increase in costs for all Sysco Western customers.

“While we remain committed to continuing to negotiate in good faith, our immediate focus is now meeting the needs of our customers. We are utilizing every resource available to rapidly implement our business continuity plans and protect the livelihoods of our customers.

“The Local 120’s allegations of unfair labor practices are without merit. Sysco Western Minnesota cares about its drivers and has provided a market competitive offer that includes meaningful wage increases, a robust benefits package and a ratification bonus of $3,500 per driver.

“Our bargaining team has also shared all required information about the offer, including information and costs related to its entire benefits program, with both the union representatives and Western Minnesota drivers. We seek to communicate transparently with the drivers so that they are able to make an informed decision and avoid further financial disruption to their families.”

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