Never give up, never back down
Teamsters Local Union 31 has made history last week with its largest organizing victory since its founding in 1936. After years of effort, over 550 workers at Gordon Food Service Canada in British Columbia are now represented by the Teamsters.
The organizing campaign launched in 2021 and gained momentum through the summer of 2023. Across Metro Vancouver and the Okanagan, company workers—including drivers, warehouse staff, clerks, and more—stood firm against corporate pressure and interference.
Workers had been grappling with a range of workplace issues, including lagging wages, safety concerns, favouritism, unjust discipline and terminations, and an increasingly expensive benefits package.
This achievement would not have been possible without the leadership of Local Union President Stan Hennessy, Union Organizing Director Ben Hennessy, and the dedicated rank-and-file organizing committee that brought the fight directly to the company’s doorstep. Working-class heroes like Pete Stanworth—now a Business Agent at Local 31—as well as Trustees Glen Bennison and Jas Haer, along with Rick Cultess, Quade Osborne, Jerry Barr, Jared Farrell, and David Lundy, played crucial roles. Together with other Local Union 31 Business Agents and inside organizers, they worked tirelessly—often after hours—to sign up co-workers, overcome obstacles, and build trust.
With the guidance of legal experts Daniel McBane, Nyssa Lessingham, and Tamara Ramusovic, the Teamsters fought through unfair labour practices and secured critical victories.
But this is just the beginning. The next battle lies in negotiating a first collective agreement to secure better wages, benefits, and protections for these courageous workers.
To the 550 newly united members—this victory is yours. You’ve made union history, and together, we will continue fighting for better conditions. Congratulations on your well-deserved triumph.
