SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — Truck drivers for Hannaford who are trying to unionize rallied in the eyesight of upper management at the grocery chain's distribution center in South Portland on Friday.
The drivers for Hannaford's South Portland and Winthrop distribution centers this week filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to join the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 340, which has rallied to help UPS drivers in South Portland fight for better treatment.
"We wanted to be here for the shift change just to show everybody the support we've got, what the Teamsters give, what being a Teamster is all about," said Teamster 340 President Brett Miller.
Drivers like Fausto Donatelli, who has been working for Hannaford since the mid-2000s, says he noticed a shift in treatment after the major grocery store chain's parent company, Delhaize, merged with Ahold USA in 2016.
"We are just a number. We sit in a seat, we drive a truck ... and there's no respect, they don't care. At least it doesn't seem like they care," Donatelli said.
Others agree, claiming often times concerns brought up to upper management are quickly dismissed.
"They make us feel like they can fill our job pretty easily when they can't even get people in the door right now," driver Nick St. Amand said. "They'd always tell you 'Oh I don't know if I can do anything about that,' and it would be pretty easy stuff to take care of."
NEWS CENTER Maine reached out to a Hannaford spokesperson and is waiting for a reply.
ADUSA Transportation, which employs the workers, said in a statement: "We strongly believe our associates are our best ambassadors, and we strive to provide them with a positive and rewarding work experience where they are valued and respected. ADUSA Transportation offers an excellent combination of competitive pay and benefits programs, as well as job growth opportunities. ADUSA Transportation appreciates the careful consideration among its drivers at the South Portland facility as part of this process. While we will always respect the decisions of our drivers, we believe open and direct discussions between associates and management are the best way to resolve issues and decide matters that affect our associates. We will continue to maintain open communications among our team members throughout this process."
Company officials could voluntarily recognize the union. If they don't, about 125 drivers would be able to vote on whether to form one.