Community Food Co-Op Employees Represented by Teamsters Local Union 231 Ratify First-Ever Collective Bargaining Agreement

Congratulations to the newest members of Teamsters Local 231! After more than a year of negotiations, a group of approximately 170 workers at the Bellingham Community Food Co-op, represented by Teamsters Local 231, voted overwhelmingly to ratify their first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement. The workers at the Downtown and Cordata stores voted to become members of Teamsters Local 231 in February of 2024 and have been working tirelessly to achieve their first contract ever since.

“We are extremely proud of the solidarity and determination this entire group displayed throughout this process, and we welcome them to our Union,” said Rich Ewing, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 231.

The new agreement will bring much needed stability, as well as essential improvements to the pay and working conditions for these new Teamster members. Wages will increase across the board, with guaranteed future increases, as well as improved Holiday pay and pay for Jury duty. The contract also includes strong language governing non-economic issues like just cause discipline, Union leave, seniority, and several other important items. In addition to everything that was achieved in this first agreement, these workers now have a voice and a seat at the table to continue improving their wages, benefits and working conditions.

Chartered as a General Local on January 8, 1909, Teamsters Local 231 currently has 61 collective bargaining agreements with 50 different employers in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and Island Counties.  Teamsters Local 231 is committed to improving the lives of our 2500+ members through the solidarity of the membership.