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UNFI Drivers in Wash. Authorize Strike

AUBURN, Wash. — Drivers and warehouse workers at a United Natural Foods Inc. distribution center here have voted to reject the distributor’s “last, best and final” contract offer and authorized its union to call a strike.

Jon Springer, Executive Editor

September 11, 2012

1 Min Read
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AUBURN, Wash. — Drivers and warehouse workers at a United Natural Foods Inc. distribution center here have voted to reject the distributor’s “last, best and final” contract offer and authorized its union to call a strike.

“This vote demonstrates that these workers are prepared to fight for the respect they deserve,” Tracey A. Thompson, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 117, Tukwila, Wash., said in a statement.

Read more: Union Board to Vote on Save Mart Contract

The union, which represents 168 workers at the facility, said UNFI has refused to bargain about a large compensation gap between the company and its local competitors.

Financial guidance released by UNFI Tuesday contemplates the possibility of a protracted strike at the facility.

 

About the Author

Jon Springer

Executive Editor

Jon Springer is executive editor of Winsight Grocery Business with responsibility for leading its digital news team. Jon has more than 20 years of experience covering consumer business and retail in New York, including more than 14 years at the Retail/Financial desk at Supermarket News. His previous experience includes covering consumer markets for KPMG’s Insiders; the U.S. beverage industry for Beverage Spectrum; and he was a Senior Editor covering commercial real estate and retail for the International Council of Shopping Centers. Jon began his career as a sports reporter and features editor for the Cecil Whig, a daily newspaper in Elkton, Md. Jon is also the author of two books on baseball. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English-Journalism from the University of Delaware. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. with his family.

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