Sysco Workers in Chicago and Montana Vote to Authorize Strike

Sysco Employees Authorize Strike Amid Calls for Improved Labor Conditions

In a significant move, more than 500 Sysco drivers and warehouse workers from Chicago and Montana have voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike. These employees, represented by five Teamsters locals, are demanding fairer compensation and enhancements in their working conditions, aligning with the benefits enjoyed by their peers across the nation.

“Every day, drivers like us are the reason Sysco is able to deliver for its customers,” stated Alen Hukic, a driver at Sysco and a member of Teamsters Local 710 based in Chicago. He emphasized the need for management to consider their demands seriously to ensure they can adequately support their families.

As one of the leading food service providers in the U.S., Sysco's economic strength is evident, with the company having reported net profits of $1.8 billion in 2025. This financial backdrop forms the crux of the workers' argument for a contract that acknowledges their pivotal role in the company's success.

Sean Krebs, a warehouse worker at Sysco and affiliated with Teamsters Local 190 in Montana, voiced a unified stance: “We’re asking for a fair and reasonable contract that reflects the massive profits this company generates every year because of our labor. None of us want to be on the strike line, but if Sysco fails to offer a fair agreement, we will have no choice but to withhold our labor.”

The Teamsters represent an extensive network of over 13,000 Sysco workers nationwide. Over the past year, this group has successfully negotiated several influential contracts, including a regional contract ratified last December. Just recently, Sysco workers in Spokane, Washington, approved a contract that introduces a 34 percent wage hike, lower health care costs, and increased pension contributions.

Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, commented on the situation: “Sysco is going to put a strong agreement on the table, or Teamsters will be out in the streets.” He highlighted that the company's robust profit margins are largely due to the efforts of Sysco Teamsters and that a fair contract is warranted.

Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million diligent workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further insights, visit Teamster.org, and stay updated by following them on X @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.