Sysco Seattle Employees Unite with Teamsters Union

The Facts -

• 12 Sysco workers in Kent, WA join Teamsters Local 117.
• Unionization brings stronger voice and workplace dignity.
• Efforts countered Sysco's attempts to undermine organization.

Workers Join 275 Sysco Drivers and Warehouse Workers Already Represented by Local 117

(TUKWILA, Wash.) – Sysco’s Kent, Wash. distribution center workers voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 117. This team of 12 strengthens the union, adding to the 275 drivers and warehouse workers already represented.

“Organized worker power at Sysco is expanding in the Pacific Northwest and nationwide,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “Despite the company’s attempts to suppress them, these workers demanded Teamsters representation and respect. Congratulations and welcome to our union.”

New classifications now represented by Local 117 include driver check-in associates, QA inspectors, inventory control, cycle counter associates, recoup specialists, and will call associates.

“As an inventory control associate, my team and I ensure quality products for customers,” stated Krystal Miller-Parker, a 7-year Sysco employee. “We felt left out, and joining Teamsters Local 117 unites us with our driver and warehouse siblings for a stronger voice.”

Local 117 Teamsters at Sysco showed strong solidarity with their unorganized co-workers during the unionization process.

“I spoke to people one-on-one, and they were all for it,” said Will Buff, a 20-year warehouse worker, who serves on the union’s Executive Board and helped with the organizing drive. “We want to grow our union. It’s about enhancing people’s lives, whether it’s getting better medical care, higher pay, or secure retirement. The union life is the only life. It’s our job to improve the world.”

Workers began organizing a few months ago, citing the need for fair wages, workplace protections, and retirement security. Throughout their organizing campaign, they overcame the company's repeated attempts to undermine their union.

“As a cycle counter, we make sure our inventory is correct and readily available for our customers,” said Wendy Flores, who has been with the company for a little over a year. “Forming our union with Local 117 was uplifting and has built solidarity among my co-workers. I work hard every day and joining Local 117 will bring dignity to our work.”

Teamsters Local 117 represents 17,000 men and women at 200 employers across Washington State. For more information, visit teamsters117.org.

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