UNFI TEAMSTERS RATIFY FIRST CONTRACTS

Over 1,000 Workers Secure Substantial Pay Increases, Improved Benefits, and Pension

WASHINGTON, March 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Following a credible strike threat, more than 1,000 newly organized drivers and warehouse workers at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Florida, Georgia, and Illinois have ratified their first Teamsters contracts. Represented by Teamsters Locals 26, 79, 728, and 769, UNFI workers have secured agreements that deliver significant wage increases, improved benefits, and a defined benefit pension plan.

“The unstoppable rank-and-file power we’re building at UNFI is delivering real results for workers,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “These contracts are life-changing. They prove that when workers stand together, they can take on corporate greed and win. Every UNFI worker deserves the same protections, and the Teamsters are committed to organizing every last one of them.”

UNFI, the primary distributor for Whole Foods in the United States, has seen a surge in Teamsters organizing over the past three years. In the past year alone, more than 1,000 UNFI drivers and warehouse workers have voted overwhelmingly to join the Teamsters. Since 2022, over 2,500 workers have organized with the union, bringing the total Teamsters membership at UNFI to more than 5,000.

“By organizing with the Teamsters and demanding our worth, we’ve secured the pay, benefits, and working conditions we deserve,” said James Knight, a UNFI driver and Local 769 member in Pompano, Fla. “This victory wouldn’t have been possible without the strength of our union. We’re proud and excited to work under our first Teamsters contract.”

The five-year agreements will protect UNFI Teamsters with an $8 hourly pay increase over the life of the contracts, comprehensive Teamsters health care coverage, a defined benefit pension through the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Fund, enhanced safety protections, stronger seniority rights, and expanded paid time off. These gains were only made possible by the grit and determination of rank-and-file Teamsters, who held practice pickets across the country to show upper management they were ready to strike if UNFI failed to meet their demands.

“Across the country, workers like me remained strong, organized, and showed our solidarity,” said Brad Duncan, a warehouse worker at UNFI and a member of Local 26 in Urbana, Ill. “We proved that when we fight together, we win together. This agreement will be a game-changer for us and our families.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Colin McCullough, (856) 625-6856 
cmccullough@teamster.org

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters