Teamsters Ratify Major Contract for UNFI Workers in Atlanta, Securing Wage Increases and Benefits
- Teamsters at United Natural Foods ratified a five-year contract, securing a 30% wage increase and comprehensive health coverage.
- The contract recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday and formalizes bidding classifications for workers.
- Over 1,250 UNFI workers joined the Teamsters in the past year, boosting total union representation to over 5,000.
Teamsters Celebrate Groundbreaking Contract at United Natural Foods in Atlanta
In a significant development for labor relations within the grocery distribution sector, Teamsters at United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) in Atlanta ratify a transformative five-year collective bargaining agreement on September 29, 2025. This contract benefits over 225 warehouse workers by securing a 30 percent wage increase, comprehensive health care coverage, and participation in the Western Conference Pension Plan. Additionally, it formalizes defined classification bidding and recognizes Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday. Matt Higdon, President of Teamsters Local 728, emphasizes the immediate positive impact of the contract on workers and their families, reflecting the high standards achieved by UNFI Teamsters across the country.
The ratification of this contract follows a notable surge in union organizing within UNFI, with more than 1,250 drivers and warehouse workers joining the Teamsters in the past year alone. This increase raises total union representation at UNFI to over 5,000 since 2022. Fernando Woods, a UNFI worker and Local 728 shop steward, expresses pride in the newfound respect and benefits brought about by union representation. The Atlanta agreement mirrors similar successful contracts ratified by newly organized UNFI workers nationwide, including a contract for over 300 warehouse workers in Sarasota, Florida, which also included enhanced wage and benefit provisions.
Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, highlights the union's strength in negotiating top-tier contracts within the grocery industry. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, showcasing a long-standing commitment to improving wages, benefits, and job protections for workers. Such developments at UNFI signify a broader trend of increased unionization in the grocery sector, as workers seek better compensation and working conditions in an evolving economic landscape.
In related news, UNFI has recently reported its fiscal fourth-quarter results, which, despite a decline in year-over-year sales, exceeded analyst expectations. The company recorded earnings of $0.92 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.84, indicating resilience amidst ongoing challenges in the grocery sector. UNFI's strategic initiatives, such as cost management and operational efficiencies, contribute to its ability to navigate a tough market environment while adapting to shifting consumer preferences.
Overall, the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement in Atlanta marks a pivotal moment for UNFI and highlights the growing strength of labor unions in advocating for workers' rights and benefits in the grocery distribution industry.
