Employees for the food distribution company Sysco are on strike in Arizona, New York, and right here in Plympton.
At midnight on Saturday, hundreds of truck drivers walked off the job at the Sysco Boston facility off Route 44.
Bryan Voci, a Business Agent for Teamsters Local 653, is representing the workers.
Sysco Boston said in a statement to WATD that offered wage increases of 25 percent over the life of the contract, and more healthcare options at lower cost.
“Sysco Boston respects and cares about our associates and truly value the critical role they play every day. Our offer to Local 653 included substantial wage increases of 25% over the life of the contract and 7% in Year 1, while the Teamsters made NO wage demands during bargaining. We also offered more healthcare options at lower costs compared to their current plan. The Teamsters’ declared a strike without allowing our associates to vote on this offer.
The work stoppage at Sysco Boston is unnecessary and union leaders have taken this action with little regard for the damage it will cause to our associates and our customers. Sysco Boston is willing to continue to bargain to reach a resolution.”
But those on the line say the numbers just don’t add up.
Ed Harmon has been with the company for 23 years – 21 as a truck driver.
Mutual aid from around Plymouth County is supporting the Plympton Police and Fire Departments with a command post and the Providence Canteen at the scene. Both departments say there will be a public safety presence all throughout the work stoppage.
