Drivers at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) in Harrisburg, Pa., have voted nearly unanimously to join Teamsters Local 776. The 75-worker group overcame a nasty union-busting campaign by the food distributor, taking their fight to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to beat back efforts to outsource their jobs to notorious nonunion company J.B. Hunt. Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo worked tirelessly along with attorney Jason Weinstock to insure the employees had a vote for their future. The duo presented the Union’s case to the NLRB at a 2-day hearing in Philadelphia Pa on April 4th and 5th. A UNFI driver, Terrell Trasher, testified on behalf of the drivers at UNFI Harrisburg Pa.  The Labor Board ruled in the Union’s favor on May 16^th, assuring the Local Union that an election would be held on May 22nd and 23rd.

 “Organizing to become Teamsters helped bring us together for the greater cause. With Teamsters representation, we are now more confident knowing that everyone will have a say in our future,” said Carlos Lugaro, a UNFI driver who helped lead the organizing effort. Lugaro and his co-workers are seeking a strong Teamsters contract that will improve wages, health care and retirement benefits, job security, and working conditions.

“Despite challenges, UNFI drivers at the Harrisburg facility were committed to becoming Teamsters since day one. They refused to fall for the company’s union-busting tactics and stood arm-in-arm with Teamsters Local 776 to fight back. Workers proved to the NLRB that UNFI was trying to outsource their jobs to a third party to break up union organizing efforts,” said Ed Thompson, President of Local 776.

The organizing victory in Harrisburg is part of a national worker-led movement to unionize UNFI and follows recent wins in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. In May alone, more than 250 UNFI workers joined the Teamsters at three different UNFI locations. Since 2022, over 1,500 workers at the company have become Teamsters nationwide.

“Drivers in Harrisburg showed courage and put it all on the line to secure this crucial victory. UNFI workers know that the Teamsters are relentless in our fight for a better workplace. This victory in Harrisburg is just another example of workers’ resolve to take control of their future. We will not rest until every UNFI worker in this country has the representation and respect they deserve,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division.

Welcome to the Teamsters!

Teamster Proud! A few of Local776's newest Members stand proud with Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo (center)

Local 776 Member Austin O'Brien was on hand with the Local's truck to support the workers in their organizing efforts!