New York, NY – The overjoyed faces of Wegmans workers were evident in a photograph recently taken. The reason: these employees of the popular food chain Wegmans Food Markets have just ratified their collective bargaining agreement.
With help from the Teamsters Local 118, they have voted by a three-to-one margin for this result. The contract extends for seven years, one that Business Agent Ty Van Pelt, president of the union, calls “historic.” He said that the workers will now enjoy many improvements in their work life, including “the largest wage increase ever achieved at this employer.” He also deservedly lauded the Teamsters’ diligence in advancing their members’ rights and their wholehearted support of their Teamster community.
The 900 Teamsters work in various capacities for Wegmans, such as warehouse, transportation, and the skilled trades departments. More wins for these workers also include a comprehensive health care package, an extremely coveted victory in these times, as health care costs skyrocket, a protection from being forced to go to work even on days off, and the betterment of seniority, guarantees of overtime, better scheduling, and paid time off, a boon especially for those with families.
The wage increase referred to by Van Pelt is a 27 percent jump over the seven years of the agreement. That means that salaries will reach $40 per hour for warehouse staff, which, if the conditions within that sector are anything like those in other ubiquitous chain stores, are well deserved.
The pay for drivers is truly impressive, reaching $200,000 annually.
Van Pelt said the “groundbreaking, landmark contract,” shows the strength that the Teamsters have. Van Pelt was the lead negotiator in this negotiation that led to so many victories for the members of Local 118, which represents workers in Rochester, NY, and surrounding communities. “We have shown the strength and unity of the Teamsters Union,” he added.
He made sure that those employed in the same industry got the message: “Grocery workers everywhere should take note – this is the power you could have as a Teamster.”
