37 Oakland Warehouse Workers Win Wall-to-Wall Teamsters Representation
OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Workers at VISTAR, a subsidiary of Performance Food Group (PFG), have voted to join Teamsters Local 853. The 37 warehouse workers organized to secure stronger wages, better benefits, and improved working conditions.
The newly organized workers join 30 VISTAR drivers who became Teamsters in 2025. With this victory, Teamsters Local 853 has achieved wall-to-wall representation at the Oakland facility.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these hardworking brothers and sisters to Local 853,” said Steve Beck, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853. “Their vote shows that workers are united and ready to build a stronger future. We look forward to helping them win a first contract that reflects their hard work, solidarity, and value to the company.”
Throughout the organizing campaign, VISTAR spent more than $146,000 on an aggressive union-busting effort.
“Despite the company’s anti-union campaign, these workers stood strong and won,” said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. “This is another major step forward as we build power at PFG. When workers stand together, no amount of corporate intimidation can stop them from winning a voice on the job.”
The Teamsters represent 2,000 workers at PFG and its subsidiaries nationwide.
“There was a noticeable difference after the drivers organized,” said Michael Townsend, a warehouse worker at VISTAR and new member of Local 853. “We saw them stand together and fight for a strong first contract. That inspired us to do the same. Now it’s our turn to have a voice on the job and the protections that come with a Teamster contract.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
LMelentijevic@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
