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Massachusetts Cafeteria Workers Join Local 42

December 20, 2004



Massachusetts Cafeteria Workers Join Local 42

December 21, 2004

Members of Local 630 in Los Angeles who work at the 99 Cents Only Stores warehouse averted a strike Sunday, December 19 when they ratified their first contract by a nearly unanimous margin.

“The signs for a strike were ready, but the members ratified the contract, averting a strike that was scheduled to occur that night,” said Jesus Gonzales, executive coordinator for Local 630.

The 54 drivers voted 35-1 to ratify the five-year contract. The workers at the company’s distribution center in City of Commerce, California joined the Teamsters in January 2004.

Local 630 organizer Xavier Sandoval led the organizing campaign. Local 630 Secretary-Treasurer Paul Kenny and President Sylvia Garza negotiated the contract, and were present for the duration of the contract talks.

The contract improvements include the following:

  • Increased wages (the first wage increases since 1998);

  • A grievance procedure;

  • Job security provisions;

  • A seniority system, and

  • Improved vacation time.