Continental Café Workers’ Nine-Week Strike Results in Improved Contract Terms
Following a challenging nine-week strike, 31 members of Teamsters Local 135, employed at Continental Café, have achieved a significant victory. The workers have managed to secure a tentative two-year contract that delivers not only higher wages but also significant increases to retirement benefits, nine extra paid days off, and continued protection of Teamsters health care.
The successful negotiation of the contract is seen as a testament to the unwavering determination and resilience of the rank-and-file members who stood their ground. Local 135 President, Dustin Roach, expressed his admiration for the members’ courage and solidarity, which he believed forced Continental Café to face the repercussions of its actions. The members were commended for standing their ground and winning the contract they rightfully deserved.
Teamsters Local 135 represents a diverse workforce at Continental Café, including drivers, warehouse workers, and maintenance workers. The company is known for servicing vending machines, with UPS being one of its largest customers. The strike began in January when Teamsters at Continental Café were forced to take action after the company refused to bargain in good faith and engaged in explicit unfair labor practices.
Throughout the strike, the workers in Plainfield, Indiana, received robust support from their fellow Local 135 members at Continental Café in Lafayette, Indiana. These members displayed commendable solidarity by honoring extended picket lines.
Rhonda Banks, a Local 135 shop steward and a driver at Continental Café for 36 years, said they fought hard and won the deserved contract. The workers stood strong against a company that attempted to break their spirit but failed. Banks also expressed gratitude to their fellow workers in Lafayette, who had stood with them throughout the ordeal.
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