Teamsters Local 162 and 305 have been in negotiations over a contract covering more than 400 drivers and warehouse workers at the Albertsons distribution center in Portland, Oregon.  The distribution center supply’s area grocery stores under the Albertsons and Safeway banners. 

After seven bargaining sessions the Teamsters and Albertsons are far apart on worker demands.  The Teamsters continue to push for improvements on seniority rights, safer working conditions in the warehouse and on-the-road, bid and dispatch improvements for drivers, protections against automation and outsourcing, unjust standards, and more. 

With the contract now expired as of September 5^th, and the lack of progress in negotiations, Teamster leadership conducted a strike authorization vote on September 17^th.  Workers turned out in record numbers and voted by more than 99% to authorize a strike if one is necessary. 

 “Teamsters at the Albertsons distribution center in Oregon delivered a clear and unified message,” states Mark Davison, Local 162 Secretary-Treasurer and International Western Region Vice President. “If Albertsons wants to avoid a strike they need to come to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith a contract that rewards its workers.” 

Negotiations are scheduled to resume on September 22^nd and 23^rd in Portland and have the full backing of the 1.3 million members strong International Brotherhood of Teamsters.