Drivers and mechanics with Bimbo Bakeries in Fort Worth join Teamsters

by PegNews wire

FORT WORTH — Drivers and mechanics with Bimbo Bakeries recently voted by a near 2-to-1 margin to become members of Teamsters Local 997 in Fort Worth. The 73 workers joined the Teamsters in seeking job security and protections provided by a strong Teamster contract.

"It's a hard place to go to work when you don't know where you stand on a daily basis," said Bart Eads, a driver with more than 15 years experience. "We needed to know where we stood, and we hope to have the same protections against the contracting out of work that other Teamsters at this company have."

Until the recent vote, the Fort Worth hub was the largest and only nonunion Bimbo location in Texas. Bimbo Bakeries USA is the U.S. division of the Mexico City-based Grupo Bimbo, a major producer of baked goods. More than 4,000 Teamsters work at Bimbo Bakeries nationwide.

"The workers were concerned about work being contracted to independent operators, and they were looking for the security of a Teamster contract," said Arthur Burns, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 997. "We have a real strong membership with this group of workers and we're happy to welcome them as our members."

"We're honored that these dedicated and united bakery drivers and mechanics are now a part of our union and we look forward to providing them with strong Teamster representation," said Richard Volpe, Director of the Teamsters Bakery and Laundry Conference.

Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters

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