Darigold had outsourced delivery to Estension, which immediately cut wages and benefits. Employees asked Local 690 for help.
Fred Makus, the son of a 35-year Teamster, said the officers of Local 690 jumped right in to help them:
I knew that we could have real benefits and a stable working environment.Kaui Pilimia said the benefits they receive as Teamsters are the most important part of the contract:
Morale has improved here and the brotherhood at the company is stronger.The drivers at Estenson join the approximately 400 other drivers from the grocery and food service industries across the region that are represented by Local 690.
Val Holstrom, secretary-treasurer, said the local has had dairy contracts since the 1920s.
We are proud to have the Estenson drivers in Local 690. They stood strong and supported each other and their bargaining committee for over a year to get a contract that guarantees security, dignity and respect in the workplace. I’d like to thank Joint Council 28 for their support and especially secretary-treasurer Tracy Thompson and the staff of Local 117 for their assistance in our efforts.Welcome to our great union!
