October 1, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) – The Teamsters Union is pleased that Interstate Bakeries Corp. was able to reach a tentative agreement with the Bakery Workers (BCTGM).

“We welcome the opportunity to sit down with the same negotiators from the company– if it is serious about getting an agreement with us, the group that is being asked to make the biggest sacrifice,” said Richard Volpe, Director of the Teamsters Bakery Conference.

More than 10,000 Teamster delivery drivers and merchandisers are employed at Interstate bakery facilities in the United States.

“The Teamsters are being asked to bear most of the burden to save this company–more than three times what it asked of the BCTGM,” Volpe said. “Over the past few years, our drivers and merchandisers have labored under heavy concessions in order to keep Interstate afloat with the hopes it would get its financial house in order. But now Interstate wants our members to lift an unduly large part of their debt load. In addition, the company wants to implement an untested delivery system. Our members refuse to accept more cuts to their wages, pensions and benefits without the company valuing the current and past sacrifices.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.