Lakeland Workers Join Teamsters Local 79 for Better Benefits

Teamsters Local 79 Welcomes New Members from Lakeland Facility

Contact: Maura Drumm Phone: (215) 510-3735 Email: mdrumm@teamster.org

In a significant move for labor representation, over 25 employees at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in Lakeland, Florida, have cast their votes to join Teamsters Local 79. The group, consisting of sanitation, inventory control, salvage, and day yard trailer jockeys, aims for enhanced wages, better benefits, and more robust job protections.

Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, commented on this development by stating, “Congratulations to these workers on becoming Teamsters. They saw the Teamsters difference when their colleagues ratified their contract and knew they deserved the same. We look forward to supporting them as they negotiate a fair first contract.”

Brian A. Rothman, President of Local 79, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the power of collective bargaining, “These workers know that through collective action comes a stronger voice. They were inspired by what the warehouse was able to gain and want the same respect for themselves. We are with them every step of the way as they negotiate a better future at the bargaining table.”

This new group joins the ranks of 270 warehouse workers at the same Lakeland facility who became part of Local 79 in December 2024, achieving their first collective bargaining agreement by July 2025.

Curtis McCoy, a steward at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, shared his thoughts: “We saw what the folks in the warehouse were able to gain through Teamsters representation and wanted that for ourselves. Joining the Teamsters gives us the power to fight for better wages and a better life for our families.”

Teamsters Local 79 has a longstanding history of representing workers in southwest Florida since 1936, covering employees from about 40 companies across nearly 100 locations. Further details can be found at teamsterslocal79.org.