Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, LABOR NEWS—Cargill sea salt harvesters in California announce ULP strike, (Aug 12, 2026)
Organizations Mentioned:NORTH AMERICA
By Jason Albright, J.D.
Cargill’s Newark, California, facility is one of the only sea salt operations of its kind in North America, according to the Teamsters.
The Teamsters yesterday announced that 120 members of Local 853 at Cargill Salt “have been forced out on strike over the company’s unfair labor practices,” including alleged retaliation against a steward during union contract negotiations. “In addition to fighting back against Cargill’s behavior,” the union said, “workers are seeking a fair contract that addresses key wage and health insurance concerns as they negotiate a new agreement with the company.”
Critical supply chain. “This workforce keeps a critical supply chain running, and they deserve a contract that reflects their skill and value,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853, based in Oakland. “A billion-dollar company has no excuse to cut the pay and benefits of its workers. We want Cargill to take our concerns seriously instead of retaliating against our members.”
Salt harvesting. Teamsters at Cargill Salt harvest, process, and package sea salt at the company’s Newark, California, facility. “They oversee the entire production process from harvesting salt in evaporation ponds and turning that into finished products used for table salt, road de-icing, and other specialty uses,” according to the union.
“[B]edrock of the salt industry.” “For many of us, this is about supporting our families and planning for the future,” said Ever Duran, a Cargill Salt worker and union steward. “We are the bedrock of the salt industry, and we just want a contract that fairly reflects that. It’s up to Cargill if they want to play ball and recognize how critical we are to their success.”
Local 853. According to the local union’s website, Teamsters Local 853 “is the combined strength of our 13,000+ members who stand together for solid contracts that improve their wages, benefits, and working conditions.” In all, the local has contracts with more than 300 employers throughout Northern California.
Cargill. Cargill describes itself as “one of the largest salt production and marketing companies in the world.”
“Modern sea salt production,” the company notes, “is very similar to older methods of production. Sea salt is made by capturing sea water in shallow ponds, where it is allowed to evaporate, leaving a bed of salt that is then harvested.”
“Just as choosing the right sea salt can mean the success or failure of your brand,” says Cargill, “working with the right sea salt company can have the same impact.”
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