289 Detroit Drivers Are First Group to
Unionize at Kroger Fulfilment Center
DETROIT, May 20, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- In a landslide victory, 289 drivers at the Romulus
Kroger Fulfillment Center have voted by a three-to-one margin to
join Teamsters Local 337 in Detroit. This historic vote marks the first
group of workers at a Kroger fulfillment center to organize in the
U.S.
"Our voices have been heard and we've made history with our win
at FC10! We are paving the way for fairness, consistency, job
security, and better working conditions not only for ourselves but
for future employees," said Alcie
Duckett, a Kroger driver who has worked at the fulfilment
center since June 2022. "I couldn't
be prouder of my amazing co-workers! More workers will follow our
lead at other Kroger fulfillment centers."
Duckett and her co-workers have been vocal about their desire
for better working conditions and are looking forward to
negotiating a strong Teamsters contract that will bring higher
wages, better health and welfare benefits, a pension, and fair and
consistent work rules.
"I want to thank everyone who contributed to the organizing
effort. This victory would not have been possible without the
dedication and hard work of our worker-led organizing committee,
Local 337 organizers, and the relentless support from the Teamsters
Organizing Department and Warehouse Division," said Local 337
President Todd Lince, who also
serves as a representative for the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "I
want to congratulate Kroger workers for their commitment to a
better workplace. They have set a powerful example for workers
everywhere. We are incredibly proud to have organized the first
Kroger fulfilment center in the U.S."
Once the election is certified by the National Labor Relations
Board, Lince said Local 337 will kick off proposal meetings and
begin the bargaining process for a strong first contract that
addresses workers' concerns.
"This is a monumental win for drivers at the Romulus Kroger
Fulfillment Center and for the entire Teamsters Union. The success
of this organizing campaign will inspire other Kroger workers at
fulfillment centers and warehouses across the country to follow
suit and join the Teamsters," said Tom
Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division.
"Kroger workers know their power and are standing strong to secure
a better future as Teamsters."
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 Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook
at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Daniel Moskowitz, (202)
262-4971
dmoskowitz@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters