SYSCO DRIVERS STRIKE OVER UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – At approximately 3:00 am on Monday, March 27th Sysco Delivery Drivers represented by Teamsters Local 89 began an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike against their employer on National Turnpike. In addition to providing services to customers in Louisville Metro, the Sysco Louisville operation spans the Commonwealth of Kentucky via “Drop Yard” locations, and also stretches into Southern Indiana.
Drivers first unionized in 2022 to address irresponsibly long work hours, serious personal and public safety concerns, and wages and benefits that are below other comparable CDL jobs in the region. During the organizing efforts and continuing through negotiations to this very day, Sysco management has continually violated their drivers’ rights, including those under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).
“It’s sadly very common for greedy employers to engage in illegal actions against their workers,” said Local 89 President Avral Thompson. “It’s important for folks to know that the Teamsters are going to have their backs and that we aren’t going to tolerate their bosses breaking the law – that’s what this unfair labor practice strike is about.”
Earlier in March, Drivers overwhelmingly rejected a “Last, Best and Final Offer” from their Employer. Since then, Sysco Louisville has refused to return to the bargaining table despite Local 89’s continuing requests to do so.
“We’re ready and waiting for Sysco to return to the table for bargaining, but we’re not going to just let them keep violating their drivers’ rights in the meantime,” said Business Agent Trey McCutcheon. “Sysco management could have avoided this unfair labor practice strike by just not breaking the law, but I guess that was a bridge too far for them.”
Founded in 1933, Teamsters Local 89 represents over 17,000 workers in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
