Workers hit the picket line just after midnight Monday at the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market. They say they are on strike after no progress was made toward a new contract following a 30-day extension.
"The guys are looking for something tangible and what's being offered is not even adequate for them," said John Friesema of Teamsters Local 929.
Striking workers stopped delivery trucks from entering the market which supplies fresh produce to restaurants, markets, and retailers from New York to Baltimore. Action News was there for a verbal confrontation between one of the drivers and striking workers.
Plain clothes police helped to keep the peace. Soon, the produce trucks were lining up along Packer Avenue until a judge issued a court order prohibiting the teamsters from blocking entry and limiting picketers to just two per gate.
Soon, the produce trucks were rolling again, but there's no word on when the two sides will start negotiating again.
The Teamsters says health care and overtime are the main sticking points in negotiations.
"We can't afford to lose money and then pay into our health and welfare like they want us to do," said Steve Troilo of Teamsters Local 929.
It is unclear at this point if and how the strike might affect the shipment of produce to area restaurants and markets.
Calls to the general manager of the regional market have not yet been returned.
