Sarasota Warehouse Workers Ratify Contract, Securing Up to $8 Hourly Wage Increase

Key Information

• Location: Sarasota, Florida
• Union: International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• Contract Duration: Five years
• Wage Increase: Up to $8/hour
• Health Care: Teamsters health coverage included
• Pension: Participation in Teamsters Western Conference Pension Plan
• Total UNFI Teamsters Members: Over 5,000
• New Members in Past Year: Over 1,000
• Union Representation: 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico

In a significant move, over 300 unionized warehouse workers at a wholesale grocery distribution facility in Sarasota have endorsed a five-year contract with United Foods Inc., as announced by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The collective bargaining agreement guarantees workers an impressive wage increase of up to $8 an hour, in addition to Teamsters health care coverage and inclusion in the Teamsters Western Conference Pension Plan.

Brian Rothman, President of Teamsters Local 79, hailed the deal as a “major victory for our members at UNFI” that sets high standards for jobs in the warehouse and grocery industry throughout the region.

The Sarasota UNFI warehouse workers joined Teamsters Local 79 in 2024, solidifying their position within the union and enhancing their negotiating power.

Charles Dowling, a warehouse worker and Local 79 member, expressed pride in the contract: “This is why we joined the Teamsters. We fought hard for the pay, benefits and protections we deserve. Now we walk into work with our heads high, backed by the strength of a Teamsters contract.”

The statement reveals that over 5,000 employees at UNFI are members of the Teamsters, with more than 1,000 of those joining in just the past year. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents a robust membership of 1.3 million workers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.