Ask your question here.
Use the form at left to anonymously submit any question you may have about US Foods, the Teamsters or labor unions in general.
We do not track or attempt to track your identity or any personal information. However, your question and our answer may appear on this page below. Any personal information you may provide will not appear on this page.
Scroll down to see the answers to posted questions.
How much are union dues at US Foods?
Union dues are approximately two and a half times the average hourly rate of pay each month. Remember when you get an increase the Teamsters get an increase as well.
Section 3(d). in the Teamsters constitution states the following . . .The current rates of dues for all members whose hourly earnings rate is more than $11.00 shall be . . . a minimum dues rate of two and one-half times the hourly earnings rate.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to prohibit any Local Union adopting a dues scale higher than the one produced herein.
The union has communicated they will provide DriveCam protection if we vote them in, is this true?
DriveCam is a part of US Foods Driver Safety Program (DSP) and is in locations nationwide. Union or non-union locations have DriveCam at their location. Although we perform work all over the country, our safety message doesn’t change. We need to ensure our employees receive the same support for their safety. Safety is more than a priority it is a value at USF.
There is a rumor that the union has been communicating that we will receive what is an existing collective bargaining agreement or what is negotiated in a collective bargaining agreement currently in negotiations with US Foods. Is this true?”
That is untrue. If the full-time and part-time delivery drivers decide to vote IBT local 509 to represent them at the US Foods, the Myrtle Beach, SC and Florence SC locations, new contract negotiations will begin. No two contracts at US Foods are the same. The contract between US Foods and local 509 for the delivery drivers will be a first time contract.
If the union wins the election, which employees does it represent?
If the union wins the election, it will represent every employee in the bargaining unit who is eligible to vote.– whether you like their representation or not. Not only does it represent those employees who voted for the union, it also represents those who voted against the union, as well as those who failed to vote. That is why your vote is so important.
The Teamster organizers are saying, “Vote us in. You’ve got nothing to lose.” Is that true?
No. With a union, everything related to your working conditions is subject to negotiations and possible change. The Company can make proposals to take away something—and the Teamsters may trade something you now have for something the union thinks is important, like mandatory union membership, “super seniority,” or monthly dues “checkoff.” Good-faith bargaining is like horse trading—sometimes you come out better, sometimes you come out worse, and sometimes you don’t make a deal.
Could I be disciplined by the Teamsters if I chose to cross the picket line and work during a strike to support my family?
Yes. Article XIX, Section 7(b)(7), of the Teamster Constitution specifically states that all members must honor and support a strike picket line. If a member chooses to cross the picket line and work during the strike, he/she could be fined by the union. In one recent strike, a union fined its members the equivalent of what they earned after crossing the picket line!
