Teamsters: Atlanta Sysco Workers Reinstated, Receive Full Back Pay

Justice Prevails for 14 Workers Allegedly Fired for Union Activity in 2014

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Apr 28, 2015, 04:08 ET

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fourteen union activists terminated by Sysco during a Teamster organizing campaign in Atlanta, Ga. will be returned to their jobs with full back pay after the company issued unconditional offers to return to work on Monday, April 27. Additionally, two workers unfairly disciplined will also have their records cleared.

The workers received the long-awaited justice following appeals by union allies nationwide. Sysco also faced a formal complaint by the National Labor Relations Board based on multiple unfair labor practice charges, including the unlawful terminations.

"This is a victory for the brave men and women who stood up to Sysco's anti-union campaign in Atlanta," said Maurice Cobb, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 528, where more than 400 Sysco warehouse workers and drivers chose union representation in December 2014. "And it's a victory for Sysco workers around the country who want a voice in their workplace and the stability and fairness of a union contract."

Sysco workers in Atlanta and Olathe, Kan. joined the Teamsters last year citing concerns about job security as Sysco attempts to merge with US Foods, the number one and two foodservice distribution companies in the U.S. respectively, Teamsters Local 528 and Kansas City-based Local 41 are currently negotiating first contracts with Sysco.

"Broadline foodservice workers, like all workers, have a right to join a union and they have the support of Teamsters from coast to coast when they fight for that right," Cobb said.

Sysco was the target of a demonstration outside the International Foodservice Distributors Association meeting in Washington, D.C. last week, where protestors denounced the company's corporate bullying of workers, customers and competitors.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Galen Munroe (202) 624-6911
[email protected]

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters