Yesterday, Local 856 Food Processing Division members rallied at Diamond Foods in Stockton, joining Teamsters across the nation in a day of action to bring attention to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in the food industry and the need for enforceable safety standards, government funding for paid sick and family leave, hazard pay, access to personal protective equipment, and testing capacity in the industry.

“We’re trying to get attention so that we can hopefully pass legislation that standardizes rules and benefits so that all workers that are essential and putting food on our tables can have the same benefits as some of our good actor companies,” said Ashley Alvarado, Teamsters Local 856 Food Processing Division Director and Vice President.

“I have never been more proud of our members,” Alvarado continued. “They had so many options not to report to work, but they are reporting every day. Without the food they process, we cannot function.”

Click here to see media coverage of the event.

The Teamsters 856 Food Processing Division represents 5,000 members working across the Central Valley in nearly all aspects of food production.