Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, LABOR NEWS—Drivers in California become first group to organize and win contract at Flowers Foods, (May 8, 2026)

By Brandi O. Brown, J.D.

Flowers Foods is the second largest bakery producer and marketer in the U.S. and has been embroiled in employment-related litigation over the past several years.

Drivers for Flowers Foods in Modesto, California, have voted to ratify a first agreement, becoming the first group to organize and win a union contract at the company nationwide. The 12 members of Teamsters Local 948 secured increased wages, Teamsters health care, and retirement benefits. Flowers Foods is the second largest bakery producer and marketer of packaged bakery foods in the United States, and its brands include Wonder, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Nature’s Own, among others.

“This is a vital win for workers at bakery giants like Flowers Foods,” said Tim Parolini, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 948. “The leadership and dedication of the workers delivered results at the bargaining table that will build the foundation for good wages, safety on the job, health care, and retirement benefits for every unit that organizes in the bakery division across the Teamsters Union.”

“The strength of Teamsters solidarity on our side was critical,” said Steve Fernandez, a shop steward and member of Local 948. “This is a pivotal moment for thousands of Flowers workers across the country. When workers are unified, we win.”

Employee lawsuits and challenges. Flowers Foods, Inc., is a New York Stock Exchange listed holding company whose subsidiaries produce bread, cakes, and other bakery products. One such wholly owned subsidiary is Lepage Bakeries Park St., LLC., which, in turn, wholly owns C.K. Sales Co., LLC (CKS). Flowers Foods and its subsidiaries have been involved in ongoing employment-related litigation regarding alleged employee misclassification and disputes over arbitration.

Labor support. The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in a case where it is being asked to determine whether workers who deliver locally goods that travel in interstate commerce, but who do not transport the goods across borders nor interact with vehicles that cross borders, are “transportation workers” who are “engaged in foreign or interstate commerce” for purposes of the Federal Arbitration Act’s Section 1 exemption. In that case, the AFL-CIO filed an amicus brief supporting the driver.

Companies: Teamsters Local 948; Flower Foods Inc.

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