South Carolina Workers Join Teamsters, Secure Representation and Rights

Teamsters Welcomes New Members as Over 100 Workers in South Carolina Opt for Union Representation

A significant move towards union representation occurred as 110 employees at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits in South Carolina decided to join the Teamsters through the card check method.

This development sees a range of positions, including Class A and B drivers, driver leads, non-CDL drivers, yard hostlers, and various warehouse staff, now represented by Local 509.

Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, stated, “These workers have seen what their brothers and sisters at Southern Glazer’s facilities across the country have gained through their Teamsters representation and knew they deserved the same. We are ready to work with this group to negotiate a strong first contract that honors their hard work.”

This addition marks the organization of more than 5,000 Southern Glazer’s employees by the Teamsters nationwide. The card check process allowed workers to express their choice for union representation by signing authorization cards.

Brian Clardy, President of Local 509, expressed, “This victory shows what’s possible when workers make their voices heard and show the power of standing together. We are proud to welcome these new members into our union and look forward to building a stronger future alongside them.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Lyrone Harrison, a warehouse worker and part of Local 509, shared, “Management told us for years that we were the best from a production standpoint, but we never saw the real benefits from it. We were underpaid and taken advantage of, and something had to be done about it. We are proud to be Teamsters and are ready to fight for a better future.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, is a significant union representing 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more details, visit Teamster.org. Follow them on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.