Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly Demand Answers on Alleged Anti-Union Organizing by US Foods

Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) are demanding answers from US Foods' CEO David Flitman and Area President Michelle King regarding alleged anti-union actions in Arizona.

The Context

In late October, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters alleged that US Foods is trying to prevent employees from joining the union, including allegedly firing a member for promoting membership.

"US Foods is running a dirty, illegal, and hostile anti-union campaign against Arizona workers fighting for a voice on the job with Teamsters Local 104," the Teamsters said in a statement, adding, "The company is desperately fighting to silence them. Management has turned to every pathetic trick in the anti-union playbook to deny workers their federally protected right to organize."

Gallego & Kelly's Letter

In response, Sens. Gallego and Kelly wrote, "Many hardworking drivers, warehouse workers, and meat preparation workers are attempting to organize a union to secure higher wages and better working conditions. However, serious allegations have been brought to our attention regarding US Foods' conduct during this union campaign."

"These allegations warrant immediate attention and an appropriate investigation, and they raise significant questions regarding US Foods' commitment to respecting the federally protected rights of its employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and make decisions regarding union representation without coercion, intimidation, or retaliation," they added.

Sens. Gallego and Kelly concluded by writing, "Arizona's working families deserve employers that respect their dignity, their contributions, and their rights under the law. Companies operating in our state must be investigated when credible allegations of unlawful labor practices arise and held accountable where appropriate."

Gallego's Past Support

Last June, Gallego introduced the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, which prohibits employers from threatening to withdraw strikers from the company's healthcare benefits programs if they continue, by adding the removal of healthcare benefits as a separate category of unfair labor practices.

The following September, the Arizona Senator introduced the Tax Cut for Striking Workers Act, which removes labor union stipends for striking workers from taxable income.