Sysco truckers strike, may disrupt service to cafeterias, restaurants
Sysco truckers and warehouse workers stopped working and went on strike late Sunday night, a move against the food distributor that may disrupt deliveries to restaurants and company cafeterias across the region.
The striking workers, represented by Teamster Local 135, said they want better pay, shorter work days and benefits as they clash with management during contract talks.
"The key is we should be treated with respect," said Danny Edwards, a truck driver with the company for nearly three decades. "They used to treat you with respect here but in the past 10 years or so you're just a number."
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The many employee appreciation events at Colts games, company picnics and holiday events for families went away, and the workload increased as the company made billions in profits, workers said.
Sysco said it's filed a charge against the Teamsters for striking while the company was still working to reach an agreement with its workers during bargaining.
"Sysco Indianapolis is committed to our driver colleagues and to the negotiation process," a spokesperson said. "Our offer to Teamsters Local 135 committee reflects that commitment and includes top of market wages, lower healthcare costs and more vacation."
The company said its Indianapolis operation has backup plans to avoid disruptions to customers, but did not provide details.
More:Indy truckers, warehouse workers call for strike against food distributor Sysco
Sysco workers in Louisville also began striking this week over contract disputes. The company has dealt with strikes across the country in the past year over pay, benefits and accusation that the company isn't following labor law.
On Monday, about 160 workers at Sysco took turns to picket at the four exit ways at company's warehouse on the city's northwest side. Mike Fishers, an employee at Sysco for about 15 years and a member of its bargaining team, said the strike stopped the majority of the 35 to 40 trucks that typically go out from that location.
Trucks and cars honked as they drove by the strikers, with some shouting encouraging profanities out their windows. The rare insult was also flung at the strikers.
At one point, a CSX driver pumped up his fist as the train crossed a road nearby. Rail workers made national news when they threatened to halt train systems over contract negotiations, especially over their lack of sick days for workers.
Similarly, striking workers said the switch to longer days, which can stretch to 12 to 14 hours a day, mean they don't have time with families.
"Sometimes I get home so late," said Rashaad Daniels. "By the time I get home, I'm so drained. I can't really spend quality time with (my family.)"
The food distributor serves restaurants such as Jimmy John's and Dairy Queen and company cafeterias such as Eli Lilly and Co., IU Health and Roche Diagnostics, union leadership said. It's unclear if food services will be disrupted.
A spokesperson for McAlister's Deli said they've been in touch with franchisees to "make every effort to ensure our stores get supply at this time."
IU Health said it doesn't anticipate any disruptions. Other companies did not respond to questions by press time.
Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 and Bhuang@gannett.com
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Sysco truckers strike, may disrupt service to cafeterias, restaurants
