On Saturday March 4th, a group of nearly 200 warehouse workers and CDL delivery drivers at Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits voted to ratify a strong new three-year contract. The new contract covering members of Teamster Locals 174, 58, 231, 589, 690 and 839 across Washington state includes critical language improvements, on top of strong wage increases, pension increases, and a new Teamster medical plan that will improve coverage while putting money back into workers’ pockets annually.

The contract addresses problems plaguing the group, including mandatory forced overtime, discipline, and working on holidays. Strong wage increases not only reward workers for the essential jobs they perform, but will also help attract and retain workers, helping to alleviate some of the overtime members have been consistently forced to perform. The biggest victory by far was moving the group into a Teamster medical plan, which lowers costs and improves coverage for members and their families.