Unionized Sarasota warehouse workers approve contract, get up to $8 hourly boost

More than 300 unionized warehouse workers at a wholesale grocery distribution facility in Sarasota have approved a five-year contract with their employer, United Foods Inc., according to a statement from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

As part of the collective bargaining agreement, the workers secured up to an $8-an-hour wage increase, Teamsters health care coverage and participation in the Teamsters Western Conference Pension Plan, the statement says.

"This is a major victory for our members at UNFI and sets the bar for warehouse and grocery industry jobs across our region," President of Teamsters Local 79 Brian Rothman says in a statement.