Teamsters truck drivers and warehouse workers at United Natural Foods went on strike in Auburn, WA, this week, citing unfair labor practices and low wages. Contract negotiations broke off with the food distribution company, based in Rhode Island, prior to workers walking off their jobs.
United Natural Foods supplies products to specialty and organic markets and operates a distribution center in Moreno Valley, CA. Local 166 of the Teamsters attempted to organize the warehouse earlier this year but a large majority of the workers voted against it, according to a report in the Press-Telegram.
The Teamsters local promptly filed an objection to the election with the National Labor Relations Board, claiming the company interfered with the May 17. The labor board’s investigation is pending.