Bernie Sanders Joins Teamsters to Condemn DFA's St. Albans Closure

Local 597 and Sen. Sanders Rally Against Creamery Shutdown

In a move that has stirred community concerns, the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) has come under scrutiny for its decision to idle the St. Albans Creamery in Vermont. Teamsters Local 597 leaders, joined by Senator Bernie Sanders, convened at the site to voice strong objections to what they perceive as union-busting tactics by the dairy conglomerate.

"Dairy farmers in the St. Albans area are already facing enormous pressure from rising costs, volatile milk prices, and an increasingly concentrated dairy industry," emphasized Curtis Clough, President of Local 597. He further criticized the idling decision, arguing that it threatens not only jobs but the entire regional economy dependent on the creamery.

Senator Sanders also weighed in, highlighting the creamery's historical significance to Vermont's dairy sector. “The St. Albans Dairy Farmers of America plant has been an important part of Vermont’s dairy economy and a critical source of decent-paying jobs for more than 100 years,” he asserted. Sanders labeled the shutdown as a potential act of "illegal union busting" and called for DFA to retract its decision.

During the gathering, demands were made for DFA to publicly justify their decision. The Teamsters, alongside Sanders, urged the company to initiate open discussions with the workers and the local community. The union remains steadfast in its commitment to defending workers' rights and exploring potential legal measures against the closure.

Ted Westover, a warehouse worker and union steward, added a personal dimension to the issue, reflecting on past sacrifices made by workers. “Our families made sacrifices while we stood in the rain on strike so we could put food on the table and win a fair contract,” he recounted, suggesting that the timing of the shutdown is suspiciously aligned with union activities.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents a vast membership of over 1.3 million people across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For additional details, visit Teamster.org, or follow their activities on @Teamsters and Facebook.