Maryland Bakery Drivers Win Back Pay

Maryland Bakery Drivers Win Back Pay

December 13, 2002

Local 992 in Hagerstown, Maryland recently won a huge victory over Smith Baking Company, resulting in more than $11,000 for its members.

After finding an error in the commission percentages, Local 992 alerted Smith Baking, and upon confirmation, the company agreed to pay 15 route sales drivers the back pay that was due them.

“The company switched to a new computer system a couple of years ago,” said Ron Mercurio, Local 992 Business Agent. “When they made the switch, it resulted in a payroll error that paid commissions at five percent instead of the seven percent that is called for in our contract.”

Sales commissions are the lifeblood of the baking industry. Route sales drivers depend on commissions to supplement their salaries and support their families.

“When our members alerted us that their paychecks weren’t right, we immediately put all available resources into investigating the situation to find out why,” said Tom Krause, Local 992 Principal Officer. “We are extremely happy to bring about a positive resolution for our members. That is what the Teamsters Union is all about.”