Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, LABOR NEWS—Teamsters report organizing victories, contract gains, and strike actions nationwide, (Jul 28, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

The Teamsters announced a wave of organizing victories, contract ratifications, bargaining breakthroughs, and strike actions nationwide, as workers across transportation, public service, manufacturing, health care, and logistics sectors push for higher pay, stronger benefits, and greater workplace protections.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters reported a series of organizing victories, contract gains, strike authorizations, and bargaining developments across multiple industries and regions during the past week. From newly organized public sector and correctional employees in the Dakotas to contract settlements in the transportation and food distribution sectors, Teamsters members continued pressing for higher wages, stronger benefits, improved workplace protections, and greater representation on the job. The latest announcements also include several strike votes and labor disputes, highlighting ongoing contract negotiations affecting workers in health care, public services, manufacturing, logistics, and aviation.

Workers at South Dakota State Penitentiary join. Maintenance workers at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 120, continuing a string of recent Teamsters organizing victories in South Dakota. The employees are responsible for maintaining and repairing facilities at the state's largest prison, work that union leaders describe as critical to safety and daily operations. The successful organizing campaign came despite what workers characterized as pressure from Department of Corrections administrators during the union drive.

One new member said workers sought union representation after growing frustrated with a lack of meaningful input and enforceable workplace protections. Local 120 Business Agent James Heeren said maintenance employees perform essential work in a demanding correctional environment and deserve a strong voice on the job. The union will now begin bargaining for a first contract covering the newly organized workforce. Teamsters Local 120 represents more than 15,000 workers throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

North Dakota DFA Teamsters authorize strike. More than 100 Teamsters at Cass-Clay Creamery in Fargo, North Dakota, voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as negotiations continue with Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). The workers, represented by Teamsters Local 120, produce, package, and distribute dairy products throughout the region, including milk and Stonyfield yogurt products. Union officials said members are seeking better wages, improved health care benefits, stronger workplace protections, pension improvements, and enhanced contract language covering grievances and future ownership changes.

Local 120 Vice President Kevin Saylor said employees are prepared to strike if DFA fails to make meaningful progress at the bargaining table. One worker stated that rising costs have made fair compensation and affordable medical coverage increasingly important issues for employees. The strike authorization does not automatically trigger a work stoppage but provides the union with leverage as negotiations continue. Union leaders emphasized that members remain united and determined to secure a contract that reflects their contributions to one of the country's largest dairy cooperatives.

Contra Costa County Teamsters authorize potential strike. More than 2,000 Contra Costa County employees represented by Teamsters Local 856 voted by over 90 percent to authorize a strike if negotiations fail to produce a new labor agreement. The workers serve in more than 250 job classifications, including health services, maintenance, nursing support, and general county operations. Their contract expired June 30.

Union leaders contend county compensation lags behind neighboring jurisdictions, creating recruitment and retention challenges. Local 856 Director of Public Services and Chief Negotiator Matt Finnegan said workers are seeking a long-term compensation strategy that addresses pay inequities while preserving public services. Despite the vote, both sides are expected to continue bargaining, and union officials expressed hope an agreement can be reached before any labor stoppage occurs.

Penske Teamsters ratify regional agreements. Approximately 250 Teamsters employed by Penske in Florida, Georgia, and Missouri voted to ratify new Southcentral and Southeastern Regional Master Agreements. The four-year contracts provide a 15 percent general wage increase, additional employer contributions to Teamsters 401(k) plans, no health care cost increases for the first two-and-a-half years, and an additional paid holiday.

Teamsters Industrial Trades Division Director Rocco Calo said the agreements recognize workers' contributions while strengthening organizing efforts at Penske facilities nationwide. Most locals approved both regional and local agreements, while Local 618 members will return to bargaining over local issues. Workers described the package as a significant improvement in wages, benefits, and paid time off.

Las Vegas Vestis workers authorize ULP strike. Workers at Vestis in Las Vegas unanimously authorized an unfair labor practice strike, citing allegations of threats, intimidation, harassment, and retaliation by local management. Employees represented by Teamsters Local 14 said they are prepared to strike if company leadership fails to address their concerns.

The union recently filed unfair labor practice charges related to alleged retaliation against employees involved in protected union activities. Local leaders are demanding accountability from management and assurances that workers can exercise their labor rights without fear of punishment. The dispute follows the expiration of the facility's contract on May 1.

Cleveland US Foods workers ratify first Teamsters contract. Seventy warehouse workers at US Foods in Cleveland unanimously ratified their first Teamsters contract after joining Teamsters Local 507. The agreement includes a 17 percent wage increase, employer-paid Teamsters health insurance, enhanced vacation benefits, guaranteed 40-hour workweeks, and higher holiday pay.

Union officials said the contract delivers on key promises made during the organizing campaign and strengthens workplace protections for employees. The Cleveland workers join more than 5,500 US Foods employees represented by the Teamsters nationwide. Workers described the agreement as a major step forward in pay, benefits, and job security.

Southern Glazer's workers in South Carolina join Teamsters. A group of 110 workers at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits in South Carolina joined the Teamsters through a card-check organizing process. The new bargaining unit includes drivers, warehouse associates, custodians, yard hostlers, and lead employees who will be represented by Teamsters Local 509.

Teamsters officials said workers were inspired by gains secured by unionized Southern Glazer's employees elsewhere. The union now represents more than 5,000 Southern Glazer's workers nationwide. One worker said employees believed they were underpaid despite strong performance and viewed Teamsters representation as the best path toward improved wages and working conditions.

Teamsters reach tentative industry-leading deal at United Airlines. The Teamsters reached an agreement in principle with United Airlines covering more than 11,000 mechanics and related employees nationwide after nearly two years of bargaining. The proposal includes industry-leading wage increases, strengthened job protections, accelerated progression to top pay from eight years to five years, and a $54 million signing bonus.

The tentative agreement also contains retiree health care improvements and a streamlined grievance process. Teamsters General President Sean O'Brien described the deal as one that raises standards across the airline industry. Members will review the final contract language before voting on ratification.

Yankton County sheriff's deputies vote to join Teamsters. Sheriff's deputies in Yankton County, South Dakota, voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 120. Deputies said they sought union representation to gain a stronger voice in workplace decisions and issues affecting both employees and the public.

Teamsters’ leaders said the union's experience representing law enforcement professionals will help secure a strong first contract. One deputy said employees wanted meaningful representation and chose the Teamsters because of the union's size and bargaining strength.

Maryland Teamsters launch strike at Verbal Beginnings. Behavioral technicians at Verbal Beginnings in Rockville, Maryland, went on strike after negotiations for a first collective bargaining agreement stalled. The 33 workers, represented by Teamsters Local 639, provide autism-related services and early intervention support to children and families. Key issues include wages and proposed changes to employees' 40-hour workweek.

Local 639 President William Davis said the workers provide essential services and deserve compensation that reflects their skills and dedication. Employees who unionized last year say they remain committed to securing a fair first contract while continuing to advocate for the children and families they serve.

Companies: Verbal Beginnings; South Dakota State Penitentiary; Cass-Clay Creamery [Dairy Farmers of America]; Contra Costa County; Penske; Vestis; US Foods; Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits; United Airlines; Yankton County Sheriff's Office

News: LaborNews UnionsMembers UnfairLaborPractices IndustryNewsTrends