After weeks of contentious contract negotiations with the company, more than 230 workers represented by Teamsters Local 317 went on strike on Wednesday September 28, 2022 at a Sysco distribution warehouse in Syracuse, NY. Local 317 filed an unfair labor practices case against Sysco with the National Labor Relations Board on Sept. 21, a month after its contract expired and a few days before calling the strike. In the filing, the union cited three occasions after the contract expired in which the company brought in non-union workers to do union work, even though the union workers were still on the job. The filing also cited at least four occasions after the contract expired in which the company was “forcing” union members to work at least three hours of overtime. Strikers on the picket line reported that Sysco was making workers report for overtime over weekends with no full days off. The charges the union brought against the company also cite instances in which the company “unilaterally” changed signing bonuses for new drivers. In each of these cases, the Teamsters filed grievances against Sysco, to which the company did not respond.

The well-known Teamster "Rat" was on hand to show his displeasure with Sysco.

In a show of solidarity for the striking members, Local 776 dispatched their tractor-trailer to Syracuse to join the striking Local 317 members on the picket line. Local 776 Members John Brownawell, and Austin O’Brien, Union Stewards from YRC, arrived at the strike line on Monday, October 3^rd. Previously, Teamster Trucks from Local 120 in Minnesota and Joint Council 25 from Boston were there to lend support to the striking members.”

Local 776 Members John Brownawell (L) and Austin O'Brien (R) along with a Local 317 member.

An injustice to one is an injustice to all” Commented Local 776 president Ed Thompson. “I want to commend the striking members for standing tall and united, not being intimidated by this ruthless employer. Supporting other Teamster Locals is another way we send a message to the employers that we are strong, united, and determined to win the best contracts possible for Teamster Members!” Also, thanks to John and Austin, for taking time away from the families to spend time supporting their Union Brothers as Sysco!

Captain America was on hand to show support for the Striking Teamster Members!