On Friday, the 13 drivers employed by the Central California Food Bank in Fresno will cast ballots on whether to certify Teamsters Local 431 as their collective bargaining representative. The vote comes after organizers accused the nonprofit of hiring a labor‑relations consultant, Employer Services LLC, to discourage unionization and to blur the legal boundaries governing employer‑employee communication.
Allegations of anti‑union consulting
According to Justin Scott, president of Teamsters Local 431, the food bank engaged consultant Raul Calvo to meet with drivers and spread negative messages about the union. Scott said, “While they’ll tell you that they’re not breaking any laws, we have evidence because of worker statements that they are, and at the very least, they would be doing what I call blurring the lines.”
A driver who spoke on condition of anonymity described the consultant’s approach: “He would just say all the negative things against the union. ‘Don’t do this. They’re tricking you guys. You’re not gonna get what they said you’re gonna get. Some of you may even get fired.’ They put the fear in some of the guys.”
Ride‑along meetings raise legal questions
Organizers say the food bank told drivers that a woman from Calvo’s firm would accompany them on mandatory ride‑alongs. Under federal law, employers may contract with labor‑relations consultants, but any activity intended to persuade employees not to exercise their right to organize must comply with strict reporting requirements.
The National Labor Relations Board’s 2024 decision declared “captive‑audience” meetings—mandatory gatherings where employees are pressured to reject a union—illegal. Drivers reported that management claimed the ride‑alongs were mandatory and legal, only to later learn from the union that they were not required.
Wages and working conditions at stake
Drivers say they receive only modest raises, typically between 30 and 60 cents per hour, despite years of service. One driver called the proposed raises “a slap in the face.” The union campaign emphasizes better wages and fair treatment, arguing that the food bank’s actions undermine workers’ rights.
Consultant’s past contracts and fees
Public records show Calvo’s firm earned $669,585 in a calendar year for a labor‑relations contract with Curation Foods in 2021. A 2023 letter to Wonderful Nurseries indicates an initial retainer fee of $15,000 and a daily consultant fee of $2,500. Earlier this year, progressive outlet Truthout reported that Calvo allegedly invoked ICE threats against vineyard workers seeking to unionize, a claim Calvo has not addressed.
Union supporters’ perspective
Scott argues that the food bank’s tactics reflect a disregard for workers’ rights: “It seems to me that they almost feel like their workers are stupid or ignorant, and don’t understand their rights.” He added that the union is prepared to educate drivers on their legal protections.
The driver who spoke with Fresnoland said he plans to vote for the union, hoping the outcome will improve compensation and fairness. “It’s not trying to tear anybody down or make them go out of business. I just want to be recognized and realize they’re doing something wrong and treat us with equality and fairness,” he said.
Next steps
The vote is scheduled for Friday morning. If the drivers certify Teamsters Local 431, the food bank would become one of the few nonprofit food‑distribution centers in California with a unionized workforce, potentially setting a precedent for other charitable organizations in the state.
Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.
