Tree of Life Employees Vote Teamsters

Workers Seek Respect in the Workplace, Job Security

ORANGE, Calif., May 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workers at Tree of Life, a
specialty foods distribution center in Los Angeles, voted to join Teamsters
Local 952 in Orange, California on Friday, May 15, 2009. Friday's election
marks the third time the 96 members in the bargaining unit attempted to join
the union.

"I think the biggest thing this victory shows is the perseverance of this work
group," said Patrick Kelly, Local 952 Secretary-Treasurer. "This group has
never been union before and they worked hard over the last five years to gain
representation."

Tree of Life employees say the primary reason they sought union representation
was for greater respect on the job site. They are also seeking job security
and fair compensation.

"The issue of job security definitely put our work group over the top," said
Frank Borba, a Tree of Life employee. "Nobody can afford to lose their job --
especially in this economy. We sought Teamster representation because of the
reputation the Teamsters have to gain respect and to negotiate strong
contracts with job-protection language."

Kelly expects bargaining to commence within the next few weeks.

"We are very happy that this group got the representation they need and
deserve. We look forward to working closely with them in the future," Kelly
said.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 952

Patrick Kelly of Teamsters Local 952, +1-714-454-1199