DE PERE, WIS. – Teamsters Local 662 announced its members at New Dairy Select Milk went on strike to protest what the union described as unfair labor practices.

The milk plant is a subsidiary of Borden Dairy, and the union shared that its workers at the facility make sour cream for Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Hello Fresh and other brands.

Per Teamsters Local 662, negotiations between the sides are at a standoff “over the company's refusal to reach a compromise on the workers' health care coverage.” The local chapter said it has pushed for a Teamster health care plan with better coverage “at a lower rate for both parties.”

"Borden Dairy is saying 'take it or leave it,'" said Tom Strickland, Local 662 secretary-treasurer. "The employer isn't bargaining in good faith; this offer is terrible and concessionary. We're not going to take it."

Peter Finn, Teamsters’ western region vice president and food processing division director, said Teamsters health care plans cover 1 million-plus workers and other Borden facilities are among the hundreds of employers who are signatories.

“This posturing makes no sense, and the company needs to give its workers what they deserve,” Finn said.

New Dairy Select Milk (NDSM), which is a joint venture between New Dairy Co. and Select Milk Producers, offered the following statement on the strike:

“NDSM is disappointed that our employees (members of Teamsters Local 662) recently rejected our proposed new labor contract and have decided to strike. Throughout this process, the company has listened carefully to the members' concerns and requests. As a result, the company offered a very competitive new contract that significantly increases key items requested by our employees to include above-market pay and benefits.

“While NDSM did not want a strike, we will continue to provide our products and services to our customers with the same great service they expect. It is our hope that the union and our employees will reconsider our proposal in the days ahead so we can finalize a contract and move forward together.”