Dairy Farmers of America Shutting Down St. Albans Processing Plant

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Dairy Farmers of America Faces Backlash Over Vermont Plant Closure

The decision by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) to shut its facility in St. Albans, Vermont, has sparked significant controversy. The closure includes a creamery, processing plant, and supply store, affecting numerous union jobs and raising concerns within the industry.

Teamsters Food Processing Division Director, Jesse Case, issued a strong statement regarding the closure, suggesting it is a retaliatory move against Teamsters Local 597 members. According to Case, these workers had previously been compelled to strike due to the company's unwillingness to negotiate fair contracts. Case remarked, “Dairy Farmers of America is shutting down its St. Albans facility and eliminating good union jobs.”

This action is perceived as part of a broader strategy by DFA to consolidate its influence in the dairy sector. By acquiring processing facilities, integrating local cooperatives, and enhancing control over supply chains, DFA is reportedly reducing market competition. This strategic consolidation allows DFA to exert significant control over the dairy supply chain from farms to grocery stores, a move that many fear will weaken competition and reduce the alternatives available to local farmers.

Jesse Case emphasized, “When one company gains that kind of control over processing, transportation, and supply, it can dictate terms throughout the industry.” Such control could lead to fewer choices for independent farmers and reductions in union jobs within dairy communities like St. Albans.

Critics argue that DFA, having benefited from the Northeast’s dairy economy, is now abandoning St. Albans, leaving the community to face economic repercussions. Case underscores that this is not merely a side effect of market consolidation but a direct challenge to union jobs within the dairy industry. He stated, “This is not a side effect of market consolidation — it is a direct attack on good union jobs across the dairy industry.”

The Teamsters organization is currently evaluating DFA’s recent measures and is committed to exploring all possible avenues to counter what they view as anti-competitive and anti-worker practices. The Teamsters’ stance is clear: “Companies that abuse their power at the expense of working people will be held accountable.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents more than 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further details, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated by following them on X @Teamsters and Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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