EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — More than 90 drivers and warehouse workers at Bimbo Bakeries in East Brunswick have voted unanimously to authorize a strike, Teamsters Local 701 said Monday.
The union said the main dispute in contract talks is the company’s effort to move workers off Local 701’s health plan, which they have been covered by for more than 25 years. A strike authorization allows union leaders to call a walkout but does not mean one has begun.
Local 701, based in North Brunswick, said it has filed unfair labor practice charges against the company, accusing management of questioning workers about the negotiations. The release did not include a response from Bimbo Bakeries.
“The company thinks they can intimidate workers into accepting an offer that downgrades their benefits. Teamsters will not be bullied,” said Ron Lake, president of Local 701. “Our members refuse to be fooled by management’s efforts and are ready to head to the picket line if a fair contract is not reached.”
Jeff Padellaro, director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery and Soft Drink Conference, called on management “to put serious offers on the table.”
“If Bimbo wants a strike, a strike is what they will get,” Padellaro said.
Ken Golden, a Local 701 member and shop steward at the bakery, said workers would rather not walk out.
“We are not willing to be strong-armed out of our union’s health plan. We don’t want to strike but are ready for a work stoppage if the company keeps going down this road,” Golden said.
Local 701 says it has represented workers for 75 years.
This report is based on a press release from Teamsters Local 701.
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