Support Teamsters On Strike in Ontario
(ONTARIO, Calif.) – Teamsters who work at Vistar Foodservice’s distribution facility in Ontario began an unfair labor practice strike today to protest Vistar’s violations of federal laws that protect workers’ rights.
The 84 warehouse workers and drivers at Vistar, a division of Performance Food Group [NYSE: PFGC], are represented by Teamsters Local 630. The workers are currently in negotiations for their first contract with Vistar.
“We filed an unfair labor practice charge against Vistar with the National Labor Relations Board,” said Lou Villalvazo, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 630. “Vistar decided to give some workers a raise, but not others. That is discriminatory and they did it without bargaining with us, which is illegal.”
“The workers voted for their union in 2014 but have been unable to get Vistar to agree to a contract that is fair and respects the work they do,” Villalvazo said.
Vistar delivers food to movie theater chains across Southern California, including Edwards, Regal and AMC Theatres. On May 25, the Vistar workers protested outside the world premiere of “Wonder Woman” in Hollywood, where they held signs and distributed leaflets that said “Stop The Discrimination.” They were protesting that Vistar places women in the lowest-paying warehouse jobs, where they earn less than $13 per hour with some earning minimum wage.
“Our members didn’t want to go on strike, but they felt they had no choice but to send Vistar a wake-up call,” Villalvazo said. “We hope this sends a message to Vistar that it needs to start bargaining in good faith and abide by federal laws.”
Come out and support your union sisters and brothers: 3790 E Jurupa St, Ontario, CA 91761