Sysco is pro-colleague and customer, not anti-union.
Avoiding unions is, however, a worthwhile objective because:
Sysco's management is already committed to providing colleagues with competitive wages and benefits.
Sysco will provide reasonable and safe work rules and fair treatment – with or without a union.
Sysco does not want management's time diverted toward dealing with “union matters” and away from helping our colleagues and customers succeed.
Sysco's flexibility to change would be reduced, which slows the company's ability to react quickly to the business environment.
We believe it is in our colleagues' best interest to communicate directly with us because a union's involvement often complicates and interferes with the desired free flow of communications with colleagues.
Union avoidance is not a primary goal. It is the end product of good colleague practices administered consistently by effective managers and front line supervisors.
By insuring that sound colleague practices – employee communications, hiring, training, safety, work assignments, and pro‐active action steps – are administered consistently, colleagues do not need a third party to represent them.
We respect our colleagues' lawful right to choose or reject union representation. However, we believe that our colleagues don't need a union to represent them.
1. | We believe that unionization is NOT in the best interest of our colleagues. |
2. | We prefer to deal with our colleagues directly rather than through a third party. |
3. | We encourage colleagues and management to work together to solve problems and create a good working environment. |
4. | We deal with our colleagues openly, honestly, fairly and without discrimination, treating each person with the dignity and respect they deserve. |
5. | No organization is free from day-to-day problems, but we believe we have the policies, practices and personnel to help resolve issues, without the intervention of outsiders. |
6. | Unions don't add value to our business and there is a risk of getting called out on strike. In addition to loss of wages and benefits during an economic strike, in certain circumstances, colleagues can be lawfully permanently replaced. |
7. | The presence of a union would change relationships between managers, supervisors and colleagues. A contract could force colleagues to go through a union steward instead of talking directly with management on workplace issues. |
8. | With a union, all current wages, benefits, and working conditions are subject to negotiations. Colleagues could end up with more, the same as they started with, or even wind up with less. There are no guarantees. |
9. | Wages and benefits are reviewed annually at our company. If a union represents our colleagues, a multi-year collective bargaining agreement could prevent us from making changes each year, even if those changes would benefits colleagues. |
This website is designed as a resource for our colleagues and their families as they consider their options regarding unionization in today's workplace. The decision of whether or not to be represented by a union is an important one, for many reasons. More ››
If you have any questions, please ask here; or, reach out to any of your managers or supervisors and we will be happy to answer any of the questions that you may have.
Casting your vote is extremely important. Don't let other people decide your future without having a say. The election outcome will be determined by the majority of the colleagues who vote. More ››
Sysco Allentown is committed to answering your questions and to providing you important facts to consider before you decide if you want to entrust your job and your future to the Teamsters. Some independent resources you may want to contact and research:
Center for Independent Employees (Free Legal Advice)
National Right to Work Foundation (Free Legal Advice and Information)
To learn more about unions, check out these resources:
Calculators: Dues | Investment | Strikes