Teamsters 853 wins US Foods strike
April 24, 2025
fter a week-long strike in March, nearly 200 Local 853 members at US Foods in Livermore have won their first Teamster contact. The three-year agreement includes substantial wage increases, improved safety, paid leave, significant health care savings, and an expiration that aligns with Teamsters contracts in the West, putting the union in an even stronger bargaining position for future contracts.
“We showed this company that we would not back down until we got the pay and benefits we’ve earned,” said Victor Sanchez, a Local 853 member and driver with US Foods.
US Foods Livermore drivers joined Local 853 last year, but the company consistently delayed the bargaining process. The strike was a direct result of the company’s failure to negotiate in good faith and its surface-level bargaining tactics.
“Our new members proved remarkable strength in the face of adversity,” said Local 853 Principal Officer Steve Beck. “We celebrate this monumental victory with them. But this win wasn’t just theirs—it was made possible by the unwavering support of the entire Teamster community.”
Teamsters from Locals across Joint Council 7 walked the around-the-clock picket lines at the company’s distribution center in Livermore. Not a single day went by without seeing members from other Locals on the line.
“I was so proud and humbled to have stood with all of these members through this fight,” said Ray Torres, Local 853 Vice President and strike captain. “Their determination and desire for something better is a welcome addition to our Teamster family at 853.”
Nearly 200 US Foods Local 853 members achieved their first contact after they were forced to strike in March.
The Teamsters represent over 5,500 US Foods workers nationwide. Last year, US Foods’ refusal to negotiate in good faith and its unfair labor practices led to a major labor dispute with Teamsters 705 in Chicago. That three-week strike also resulted in a contract that delivered significant gains in wages, health care, safety, and other benefits.
“This latest victory demonstrates the commitment each and every one of us in Joint Council 7 has to our fellow Teamsters,” said Peter Finn, Joint Council 7 President.
“When an employer picks a fight with one Teamster, they pick a fight with all Teamsters. We will continue to show up for each other and relentlessly pursue justice for all members,” he said.
