2018 Good Food Local Hero

Between 2016 and 2018, the Teamsters Local 63 and Joint Council 42 secured union contracts for truck drivers and warehouse workers at a food distribution company in Los Angeles Unified School District’s supply chain. With LAUSD’s Good Food Purchasing Program (GFPP) on the books, which includes Valued Workforce standards for all vendors and their suppliers, the Local and Joint Council were able to make the case for higher wages and workplace protections.

Through the process of collective bargaining, 320 drivers and warehouse workers now make a living wage and have a legally binding contract they can use to protect themselves against discrimination and favoritism on the job. According to Randy Cammack, this would not have been possible without the GFPP. “We need more public institutions to adopt the GFPP so we can continue to transform the entire food supply chain into one that is more just for everyone involved.”

These 320 workers have seen their base salary increase (from $13/hour to $19/hour for drivers and from close to minimum wage to $14/hour and then $16/hour), are guaranteed raises over the next three years, have a grievance procedure, a voice with management, and a new pay incentive program.

“With a Teamster contract, my family has much more stability,” said Raymond Aviles, a Teamster Local 63 member. “I can provide for my family and give my kids a better life. It also feels good to be part of an overall program that is better for schools, kids, local farmers and other workers like me.”

We are pleased to recognize Teamsters Local 63 and Joint Council 42 in Southern California for their longstanding success in ensuring that workers in the Los Angeles Unified School District supply chain are paid livable wages, have safe workplaces, job protection, and a voice on the job. In particular, we recognize the leadership of Randy Cammack, the President of JC 42 and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 63, with the 2018 Good Food Local Hero award.