Teamsters Local 610 drivers approve new contract with Schnucks and prevent strike

Published on June 19, 2024 |

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St. Louis – Members of Teamsters Local 610 overwhelmingly approved a new contract with Schnucks on Wednesday, June 19, averting a possible strike.

Dan Thacker, chief executive of Local 610, said drivers overwhelmingly (81 percent) approved the new contract, which includes better health care benefits and higher wages.

“It gave us a much better health plan, and that was the main sticking point,” Thacker said.

Local 610 represents 129 drivers at Schnucks.

Salary increases for drivers

Thacker said drivers would receive a raise of $1.75 an hour in the first year of the contract and $1.10 in the second and third years.

Drivers in the second pay grade would also advance more quickly, he said.

After four months of negotiations, the drivers were ready to strike after rejecting the two previous contract offers.

On June 17, both sides returned to the negotiating table and forged a new pact.

Last week, drivers in several Schnucks branches in the region alerted customers to the possible strike by handing out personal notes and informed Schnucks about the possible strike.

“They were willing to do it if they had to, but of course nobody wants a strike,” Thacker said. “It’s not good for anyone.”

As drivers handed out bills, Thacker thanked Schnucks customers for their support and encouraged them to continue shopping at Schnucks.

“Schnucks does a lot of good for our community, so I would just ask you to continue shopping there and support our economy.”