INDIANAPOLIS — Workers at a big food distribution company are on strike, and it could have major impacts to schools and restaurants here in Indiana.
Union workers walked off the job at US Foods in Chicago Monday after their contract expired.
More than 130 members of Teamsters Local 705 launched the strike against US Foods after weeks of what they call "contentious contract negotiations."
13News saw about seven picketers, all from Chicago, standing outside the Indianapolis distribution center Wednesday.
"As a show of solidarity with Bensenville, Illinois, drivers, some union members are temporarily picketing today outside of our facility in the Indianapolis area, and we have activated business continuity plans to mitigate disruptions for our valued customers," said Sara Matheu, the Director of External Communications of US Foods.
According to the Teamsters Facebook page, workers are calling for higher pay, better health care and more.
The strike could impact schools and restaurants in Indiana.
Some school districts, like West Lafayette, told 13News they've experienced delays this week in food deliveries.
But that all changed Wednesday afternoon.
"Since we did receive one today that was supposed to come Monday, they're saying that there will probably be about a two- to three-day lag time on our orders. So that's very positive. Like I said, we prepare for things like this, so we do have about a week's worth on hand," said Courtney FitzSimons, director of food services for West Lafayette schools.
FitzSimons, who is also the president of the Indiana School Nutrition Association, said about 30% of Indiana schools receive deliveries from US Foods.
"They are pulling people from Cincinnati distribution and other drivers who can jump in who are willing to make these deliveries," FitzSimons said.
13News confirmed some of the schools that receive deliveries include Avon, MSD Lawrence Township, Carmel Clay, Perry and schools in Tippecanoe County.
"A lot of us are pretty good at being able to look in the freezer, see what we have and say, 'OK, what can we put together to make this work.' It may not always be exactly what's on the menu, but for most of us, we always have pizza or cheeseburgers or something on hand that the kids still like," FitzSimons said.
FitzSimons encouraged parents not to worry because schools have backup plans, which include utilizing other food delivery companies.