The warehouse workers are now represented by Local 630 at the grocer’s Riverside and Commerce facilities.By Russell Redman on May 23, 2023     https://www.winsightgrocerybusiness.com/labor/teamsters-voted-second-smart-final-distribution-center-california

Teamsters Local 630 had added Smart & Final employees to its membership ranks earlier this year. In February, more than 300 staff at the warehouse-style grocer’s Commerce, California, distribution center voted to join the union.

“I want to congratulate workers at Smart & Final in Riverside for taking a courageous stand and flexing their collective muscle to elect Local 630 as their representative. These workers chose to stand in unity with their sisters and brothers at Smart & Final in Commerce, California,” Lou Villalvazo, Secretary-Treasurer and Southwest food chair for Teamsters Joint Council 42, said in a statement. “Now it’s time for Smart & Final to respect their voices by negotiating a fair contract.”

“We need fair treatment, improved working conditions, better pay and enhanced benefits,” according to Roberto Cruz, a 15-year Smart & Final warehouse worker at the Riverside DC. “We took up the mantle and stood up for our rights knowing that the union will empower us and bring positive change.”