Keany Produce Workers Vote Union, Join UFCW 400

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Drivers at Keany Produce – a Landover-based wholesale produce distributor – on March 29 voted overwhelmingly to join UFCW Local 400. "Today, besides the births of my four kids, is one of the happiest days of my life,” said Terrance Helm, a Keany Produce driver who spearheaded the organizing effort. "It's been a collective effort and we all came together,” he said, adding that "I love my co-workers. I have such an appreciation for all the hard work and the sacrifices they've made, and the strength they showed in standing up to management.” The union vote came after years of frustration by many of Keany’s 140 drivers over low pay, inadequate benefits, inconsistent hours and unfair treatment. "They are a dedicated, gutsy group of workers and we are proud to represent them,” said Local 400 Growth Strategies Director Wendy Weiner. "While this was a great victory, the battle isn't done yet," Helm noted. "The next step is bargaining a first-rate contract-and together, that's exactly what we're going to get." - adapted from a longer report on UFCW Local 400’s website; photo by Alan Hanson