After 11 bargaining sessions, Sysco is still clinging to an economic proposal that would significantly erode health care protections for Teamster members and their families.

“Sysco has failed to put forth an acceptable proposal that protects the health and welfare of our members,” said Tracey A. Thompson, Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer and lead negotiator for the Union.

In response to the company’s hard line, Teamsters at Sysco voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike at a meeting at the Teamsters Hall in Tukwila on August 25.

“We had a great turnout at the meeting. It puts the company on notice that we are united and are not going to be pushed around,” said Will Buff, a night crew Shop Steward, and 11-year Teamster.

To send a clear message to the company, Teamsters at Sysco began wearing Hands off my Health Care! stickers on Tuesday after it became clear in negotiations that Sysco has not been interested in achieving a fair resolution at the bargaining table.

Members have also been wearing Superman T-Shirts every Thursday in a show of solidarity.

The contract between Teamsters at Sysco and the company expired on August 31, but the parties have signed an extension agreement through midnight of September 11 with bargaining dates scheduled for September 10 and 11.

Your Union bargaining team includes the following Local 117 staff and rank-and-file members:

• Tracey A. Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer
• John Scearcy, President
• Terren Drake, Business Representative
• Will Buff, Shop Steward
• Andre Harris, Shop Steward
• Richard Chambless, Shop Steward
• Mike Mitchell, Shop Steward
• Tim Wolfskill, Shop Steward
• Joel Juette, Shop Steward
• Robert Nordgullen, Key Member

Look for updates on the Local 117 website at www.teamsters117.org.  If you have questions, talk to your Shop Steward, Bargaining Committee Member or Strike Captain.

Stand strong and be ready to fight!