Local 135 Members Secure Higher Pay, Stronger Benefits After Nine Week Strike

PLAINFIELD, Ind., March 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After nine weeks on strike, 31 members of Teamsters Local 135 at Continental Café have secured a tentative two-year contract that delivers higher wages, significant increases to retirement benefits, nine extra paid days off, and continued protection of Teamsters health care.

"This strong agreement is a testament to the unwavering determination and resilience of our rank-and-file members who stood their ground," said Dustin Roach, President of Local 135. "Their courage and solidarity forced Continental Café to face the consequences of its greed. I'm incredibly proud of our members for holding the line and winning the contract they deserve."

Local 135 represents drivers, warehouse workers, and maintenance workers at Continental Café, which services vending machines. UPS is one of the company's largest customers. In January, Teamsters at Continental Café were forced to strike after the company refused to bargain in good faith and engaged in blatant unfair labor practices. Throughout the strike, workers in Plainfield, Ind., received strong support from their fellow Local 135 members at Continental Café in Lafayette, Ind., who honored extended picket lines.

"We fought like hell and won the contract we rightfully deserve," said Rhonda Banks, a Local 135 shop steward and 36-year driver at Continental Café. "As Teamsters, we stood strong against a company that tried to break our spirit and failed. I'm especially grateful to our brothers and sisters in Lafayette who stood with us every step of the way. This victory proves the power of solidarity, and I couldn't be prouder of my Teamsters family."

Teamsters Local 135 represents more than 12,000 hardworking people in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and flight attendants across the country. For more information, visit www.local135.com.

Contact: 
Colin McCullough, (856) 625-6856
cmccullough@teamster.org

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 135