Teamsters Local 89 members working at AVI have ratified a new three-year agreement by an overwhelming 86% majority. This new agreement covers AVI drivers as it always has, but for the first time it also includes warehouse workers following an organizing victory they achieved just a few months ago.

Some economic highlights of the new agreement include new language surrounding pandemic/hazard pay, additional personal days, faster vacation accrual, the inclusion of free dental and vision benefits, and maintaining existing healthcare benefits with no increases in cost. This ratification also gave warehouse workers access to healthcare coverage for the first time ever, marking a significant change in their quality of life.

The drivers, who had already been covered under the contract, won a 16% increase in pay over the life of the agreement. The newly added warehouse workers, who previously worked at non-union pay rates, will see a 30% wage increase by the end of the new contract.

In addition to the strong economic gains made in this new agreement, a number of non-economic improvements were also included such as a reduction in the new hire probation period and locked in staffing levels.

Teamsters Local 89 would like to thank Business Agent Bill Miller, Stewards James Wheat and Dale Monroe, and member Steve Cease for serving on the union’s negotiating committee, and Organizer Wes Odle who helped the warehouse workers join our union family. This victory could not have been achieved without their dedication and knowledge, or without the support of all our rank-and-file AVI Teamsters.

From President Thompson, Secretary-Treasurer Cooper, and everyone at Teamsters Local 89, congratulations to AVI drivers and warehouse workers on your new agreement, and we are proud and excited to welcome the warehouse workers into our union family!