Sysco Teamsters authorize strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=685968&category=REGION&newsdate=5/4/2008

Health insurance costs and overtime are among issues in contract talks

By RICK KARLIN, Capitol bureau
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First published: Sunday, May 4, 2008

ALBANY -- Teamsters at Sysco Food Services moved a step closer toward a possible work stoppage with members voting Saturday to give the union local's executive board authorization to call a strike.

"We still have a couple of days to try and maneuver so I'm not giving up hope," said Rocco Losavio, business agent for Local 294, which represents employees at Sysco's Halfmoon warehouse and distribution center which employs about 217 people. He said the vote was lopsided, but a breakdown wasn't available.

Both sides agree the contract dispute isn't about wages, which run between $50,000 and $80,000 with overtime.

"Basically, the issues haven't changed," said Losavio, referring to disputes about health care costs and mandatory overtime among truckers.

The Teamsters' previous three-year contract expired Thursday, but union members agreed to extend it until next Thursday, Losavio said.

Drivers have complained that they sometimes have to work 70 hours a week, which raises safety concerns. The company has said that's a reality, especially given the seasonal nature of their business. Sysco also wants workers to pay for a larger portion of their rising health care costs.

FULL story at link.