TEAMSTERS STRIKE AT DFA SUBSIDIARY

Dairy Workers Demand Fair Wages, Safe Conditions at Facility Supplying Ben & Jerry's

ST. ALBANS, Vt., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 60 workers at St. Albans Creamery, a subsidiary of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), are on strike as the company refuses to address ongoing issues with management and bargain in good faith. Members of Teamsters Local 597 are taking action to demand fair wages, safer working conditions, and an end to forced overtime.

"St. Albans Creamery workers have been pushed to the edge by the company's refusal to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve," said Curtis Clough, President of Local 597. "Our members are not asking for anything extreme — they want safety on the job, wages that match those of DFA employees at other locations, and a fair contract. These workers will remain on the picket line until DFA comes to the table in good faith."

This strike comes after members went on a one-day unfair labor practice (ULP) strike against the company in early September. Workers at the facility have reported that unsafe conditions and poor treatment by management have gone unaddressed by the company. Despite numerous attempts by the bargaining committee to reach an agreement that shows workers the respect they are owed, DFA has refused to engage meaningfully.

The DFA St. Albans facility supplies milk and cream to the nearby Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory, which could impact production and supply nationwide.

"Every day, we put in long hours to keep this creamery running, but the company refuses to address poor management and safety risks," said Lynn Daigle, a worker at the St. Albans facility and member of Local 597. "We deserve a contract that reflects our hard work and ensures we can do our jobs safely without being forced into excessive overtime — and we'll be out here until we get it."

Chartered in 1939, Teamsters Local 597 represents workers in trades such as small package, fuel and freight delivery, dairy processing, warehousing, security, policing, school and public busing, dispatching, hardware sales, laboratory tech, and maintenance. For more information, visit teamsterslocal597.net.

Contact:
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
[email protected] 

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SOURCE Teamsters Local 597