Over 90 drivers at Albertsons, represented by Teamsters Local 745, have voted by a more than 97 percent margin to authorize a strike. This decision comes in response to the company’s refusal to offer what the union considers a fair contract. Albertsons management has proposed contract terms that would allow the use of autonomous trucks, which the union argues are unsafe and unregulated.
The workers demand fair wages, pensions, and job protections similar to those received by other Teamsters at Albertsons locations nationwide. “Our members have sent a loud and clear message to the greedy executives running this company that we will not accept a second-rate contract, and we will not allow Albertsons to threaten our jobs or our communities with dangerous driverless trucks,” stated Brent Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 745 and Teamsters Southern Region International Vice President.
Albertsons is a $13 billion grocery chain known for prioritizing profits over people, according to the union. Last year, its attempted merger with Kroger failed amid concerns it would harm competition and consumers. The current proposal to replace human drivers with autonomous vehicles faces opposition from both workers and public polling.
Kenneth Starnes, a driver at Albertsons and member of Local 745, expressed readiness for action: “Striking is the last thing any of us want, but if the company won’t offer us a fair deal, we’re ready to do whatever it takes.” He emphasized that their stance is about securing their future and safety.
The Teamsters represent hundreds of Albertsons workers nationwide. The strike authorization empowers Local 745 to initiate work stoppages at any time, potentially expanding picket lines across the country. Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, warned that any threat against one group of Teamsters would be met with significant resistance: “We’re united, we’re ready, and we’re not going to let corporate greed take our jobs or endanger our communities.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters was founded in 1903 and represents 1.3 million people across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
