Drivers Being Pushed to Picket Line by
Company's Failure to Offer a Fair Contract
GRAPELAND, Texas, Nov. 14,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of 17 Darling
Ingredients drivers in Grapeland,
Texas, has voted nearly unanimously to authorize a strike.
These workers haul and recycle poultry byproducts from
slaughterhouses.
"We are fighting for a decent contract that increases our wages
and improves our working conditions and benefits," said
Jeremiah McKenzie, a driver at
Darling Ingredients. "But since we voted to join the Teamsters,
management has refused to negotiate with us in good faith."
While this group unionized with the Teamsters in January,
Darling Ingredients has slow-walked negotiations and failed to
offer them a deal that meets their needs.
"We are absolutely dedicated to getting these workers a fair
contract," said Chuck Stiles,
Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. "We
have always had a productive relationship with Darling Ingredients,
and we hope the company gets back to its roots before they force
our members to strike all across the country."
If Darling Ingredients forces these workers to strike, picket
lines could extend to other Teamsters-represented facilities
nationwide.
"Our members are prepared to do whatever it takes to get the
deal they deserve," said Brent
Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Teamsters
Southern Region International Vice President. "Darling Ingredients
is going to have a big problem on their hands if they don't get
serious."
Teamsters Local 745 represents workers in a wide variety of
industries throughout the Dallas-Ft.
Worth area and the surrounding communities. For more
information, go to facebook.com/Local745.
Contact:
Daniel Moskowitz, (770)
262-4971
dmoskowitz@teamster.org
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SOURCE Teamsters Local 745