Earlier this year drivers at United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) in Harrisburg voted nearly unanimously to join Teamsters 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. UNFI Teamsters are seeking strong representation to address years of worker concerns amid company mismanagement. 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. 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.

Last month More than 150 drivers at UNFI’s Manchester, PA Distribution Center voted to join Teamsters Local 776. Organizing for fair pay, improved health care, and better working conditions. Since 2022, nearly 2,500 UNFI workers have joined the Teamsters, bringing the total to over 5,000 Teamster members across the company.

“To avoid being left behind, drivers at UNFI’s Manchester Distribution Center knew they had to take a stand and organize,” said Ed Thompson, President of Local 776. “I’m proud to welcome these new members to our Teamsters family. This is part of a nationwide effort to unionize the company, and we’re committed to helping our members secure the first contract they deserve. With this latest vote, all UNFI drivers in Pennsylvania are now Teamsters.”

During the election, there were 136 drivers/jockeys at the York facility, where the organizing drive started. Since moving to a new distribution center located in Manchester, PA there are now approximately 150 drivers/jockeys working there. Local 776 BA Spencer Dearth, who is currently negotiating the first contract for the Harrisburg Members will also be representing the Manchester Members.

Local 776 Organizer Ashley Cerzullo commented: “Management at Manchester UNFI was very anti-Union. Despite their efforts to quash the organizing drive, the group stood their ground & chased after their goal! Getting this group organized was a team effort, not just me doing the organizing. I had a lot of help from Spencer and the other BAs, who took time out of their days; late nights and early mornings, to make this work. In addition, the negotiation committee/stewards from the Harrisburg facility were on hand to support their co-workers.

Local 776 Officers and BAs were on hand supporting the UNFI workers during their organizing campaign.