Negotiations between Sysco and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 653 in Boston and Local 317 in Syracuse have broken down extending an ongoing strike.

Sysco in Boston offered a 32 percent increase in wage rate over the life of the contract and increased company contributions to healthcare plans and 401(k)-retirement plans.

The strike has disrupted delivery of food items to restaurants, hospitals, and educational institutions.  The Boston warehouse dispatches 150 trucks each day.

A company spokesman stated, “Our top priority remains getting back to the negotiating table and reaching an agreement so associates can get back to their jobs and our customers can return to normal operations.”

A union representative stated, “Sysco pushes its workers to the physical brink as if they were disposable robots.  Our members work hard but they must be compensated with a secure and quality retirement and affordable healthcare.”