Today, at 12:01 a.m. CT, more than 130 members of Teamsters Local 705 launched a strike against US Foods after weeks of contentious contract negotiations. The strike comes less than two days after 160 US Foods drivers in California stood strong to win representation with Teamsters Local 853 to address years of workplace concerns.

“Our warning to US Foods was clear – meet our demands at the negotiating table or face a strike. Now, the company must bear the consequences of their inaction. Our members will remain on the streets until US Foods gets serious in negotiations,” said Juan Campos, Local 705 Secretary-Treasurer and International Vice President At-Large.

This strike in Chicago follows the expiration of Local 705’s contract with US Foods on December 29. In November, the Chicago drivers voted unanimously to authorize a strike, emphasizing their commitment to securing a strong contract.

“The Teamsters are at critical moment with this company. All across the country, workers at US Food are rising up, taking action, and demanding change,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division and Teamsters Central Region International Vice President. “California workers were sick of the disrespect and came together to win a union voice, and we told the company what would happen if they failed to meet our members’ demands in Chicago. US Foods has brought this strike upon itself.”

Picket lines have already extended across the country and will continue to grow. Stay tuned for more updates as the strike unfolds.