Members of Local 734 Avert Strike, Secure Major Gains

CHICAGO, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of 275 workers at Bimbo Bakeries in Chicago have ratified a strong new agreement hours before they were set to strike. The warehouse and route sales workers are members of Teamsters Local 734.

"Our members were serious about their strike threat and were ready to head to the picket line if management refused to put a fair agreement on the table," said Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference. "These workers know that when they stick together, they hold the power. Through their solidarity they were able to get a strong contract."

The new agreement includes protections to health care and job security and strengthens the pension. The deal also includes significant wage increases for both hourly and commissioned members.

"No one can mess with Bakery Teamsters," said Scott C. Kunz, President of Local 734. "These rank-and-file members were committed to coming away with a deal that honored their hard work and nothing less. With the help of Director Padellaro, they were able to win a significant deal."

"Throughout negotiations we knew that staying united was the most important thing," said Corey Sims, a member of Local 734 and Bimbo Bakeries shop steward. "We're excited that our efforts paid off. Not only we were able to avert a strike, but we won major improvements that will improve our lives and our families' lives."

Teamsters Local 734 represents thousands of members in the bakery industry throughout the Chicagoland area. For more information, go to bakerydrivers-local734.com.

Contact:
Maura Drumm, (215) 510-3735
mdrumm@teamster.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bimbo-bakeries-teamsters-in-chicago-ratify-new-agreement-302918441.html

SOURCE Teamsters Local 734