Sysco Corporation announced it had reached an impasse with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 653 in Boston and Local 317 in Syracuse. Despite best efforts to bring the current work stoppage to an end, including offering industry leading wages, the Teamsters' leadership has effectively rejected the companies' offers and denied their members the right to vote on the proposed offer. The parties have not been able to reach an agreement because Local 653 demanded Sysco Boston associates participate in the critically underfunded union-sponsored pension plan, a move that Sysco Boston believes is not good for its associates.

In addition, the Teamsters' leadership is now threatening to unlawfully extend picket lines to other Sysco companies, acting on a Teamsters-driven national agenda that demonstrates a complete lack of care or concern for the impact these actions will have on our associates, their families, customers, and the communities that depend on our customers for food. The Teamsters' agenda is aimed at gaining attention and promoting the interests of the union leadership. It will disrupt thousands of small businesses, hospitals may struggle to get their orders, children who rely on schools for their meals may not get them and the nation's supply chain will be further stressed.

Sysco Boston offered: Industry-leading pay, including substantial wage increases of 32% over the life of the contract and 11% in Year 1. Drivers continue in the union-sponsored healthcare plan; Sysco Boston offered to increase the contribution rate to 80% from 75%, increasing the company's financial investment by 20%. Sysco Boston associates to remain in the strong company-sponsored 401(k) retirement plan which includes multiple investment options, automatic annual contributions and a match. Sysco Syracuse offered: Industry leading wages.

Driver wages increase 9% in year 1 and 24% over the life of the contract. Warehouse wages increase 8% in year 1 and 22% over the life of the contract.