Manchester, N.H. — On Oct. 1, truck drivers employed by food‑distribution giant Sysco walked off the job at the company’s New England hub, launching a strike that continues into October.

Sysco supplies schools, restaurants, hospitals and countless other institutions across the Northeast. When its drivers stop moving pallets of produce and frozen goods, the ripple effect reaches every kitchen that depends on timely deliveries. For owner‑operators and CDL‑A drivers who haul for competing carriers, the disruption creates both opportunity and uncertainty, as freight may be rerouted or left idle.

Teamsters Local 653 spokesman Dave Remick, a 23‑year veteran behind the wheel, called Sysco’s latest proposal “a slap in the face.” He said drivers endure 12‑ to 14‑hour shifts and want wages that reflect that grind. The union is pushing for a pay structure that rivals the $110,000 average salary Sysco reports for Boston drivers this year, while rejecting a plan that would swap the current health plan for a cheaper alternative. Larry Staples, another striking driver, reminded management that “we were here during COVID for these guys, and I would like them to be here for us now,” citing inflation‑driven cost pressures. Sysco’s response highlighted a 25 % wage increase spread over the life of the next contract and lower‑cost health‑care options, and the company said it remains ready to resume bargaining as of Oct. 6.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers watching the standoff, the strike signals a potential shift in regional pay scales. Owner‑operators who can fill gaps may command premium rates, but they also face the risk of tighter load windows as shippers scramble for capacity. Fleet managers must re‑evaluate route planning, possibly pulling trucks from less‑critical lanes to keep essential food deliveries moving. The dispute also underscores the growing importance of health‑care benefits in driver retention, a factor that trucking companies hiring now cannot afford to overlook.

Industry Reaction

While Sysco and the Teamsters remain the primary voices, the broader trucking community has taken note. National carrier associations have warned that prolonged labor actions could strain supply chains already stretched thin by driver shortages. Advocacy groups stress that fair compensation and reliable health coverage are becoming non‑negotiable for attracting new talent to truck driver jobs. The strike adds pressure on other distributors to revisit contract terms before similar walkouts erupt.

Key Points

• Strike began Oct. 1 at Sysco’s Manchester, N.H., facility.
• Teamsters Local 653 demands higher wages and preservation of existing health benefits.
• Sysco offers a 25 % wage increase over the contract term and lower‑cost health options.
• Average Boston driver salary reported at $110,000 for the current year.

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