Union Contract Ratified at Hunts Point Produce Market

BRONX, N.Y., Jan. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workers at Hunts Point Produce Market voted to ratify a new, three-year collective bargaining agreement today. About 1,100 warehouse workers, drivers, and other members of Teamsters Local 202 work at the market, which provides most of the fruit and vegetables sold and served at restaurants and stores in the New York City region. It has been called the largest produce market in the world.

The new contract provides significant raises, and continues funding for the union's health and pension funds.

"This strong contract is a testament to the solidarity of these union members," said Dan Kane Jr., President of Teamsters Local 202. "They voted unanimously to authorize a strike and then they stood strong. The market will continue to provide good jobs to the Bronx's diverse working families."

The previous collective bargaining agreement expired at the end of the day on Tuesday, and workers had voted to strike if a deal could not be reached on a new contract. Teamsters Local 202 had been in negotiations with the association of market companies since November.

Workers at the market receive deliveries of fruit and vegetables from around the world, and store, package, and sell them for local distribution.

"We all know how expensive it is to live in New York and having a union is more important than ever," said Francisco Flores, a father of three who has worked at the Hunts Point Produce Market for 24 years. "We are proud to be the workers who feed New York, but we also need good jobs that provide for our families. This contract shows the strength of our union membership and leadership."

Contact:
Alex Moore, (347) 762-0778
[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local Union 202