Raley’s Grocery Warehouse Teamsters ratify new agreement; Rejoin Western Conference Pension Trust after 35-year hiatus
July 5, 2024
Nearly 300 Local 150 grocery warehouse workers in Sacramento have overwhelmingly ratified a new collective bargaining agreement that marks their return to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust (WCTPT) after a 35-year absence. The ratification vote saw nearly 90% of the voters in favor of the new 5-year deal, which follows four months of negotiations.
“This agreement is a major victory for our members, who have been seeking to rejoin the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust for more than three decades,” said Dale Wentz, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 150. “I’d especially like to thank Local 150 Business Agent Conor Tobin, who was integral to the success achieved during four months of intense negotiations.”
“This contract is a testament to the solidarity of these hardworking people who have worked tirelessly to secure this deal,” said Tobin. “It marks a new chapter in Raley’s workers’ ongoing efforts to enhance their working conditions, as well as Local 150’s commitment to raising standards in this industry.”
The agreement is a major victory for the workers, who have been out of the union pension fund since 1989. Rejoining the pension trust has been a long-standing issue for the union members, who since advocated for their reinstatement over the past three and a half decades.
“The WCTPT is strongest union pension plan in the country and Local 150 bargaining into the Teamster pension is a huge win for Raley’s members,” said Peter Finn, Teamsters Joint Council 7 President.
The new CBA includes several key improvements that benefit the workers, including wage increases that elevate them above the industry average in the region, improved union-sponsored healthcare and the return to the pension fund. The negotiations, which began four months ago, were rewarding for the members financially and shows management’s commitment to their employees and their families.
“Too many people in this country are working well into their 70s because of greedy corporations who refuse to provide retirement security to the people who make them rich,” said Tom Erickson, Teamsters Warehouse Division Director and Central Region Vice President. “This union is on the frontlines of reversing that trend for working families, and our members in Sacramento are proof positive of that.”
“This process was rewarding — as an experience and financially,” said John Weaver, a 34-year driver who served on the Raley’s Grocery Teamsters Bargaining Committee. “Stable, prosperous careers in logistics aren’t widespread enough. Fortunately, the Teamsters are chipping away at that problem every single day.”
