Workers at Smurfit Westrock in Wakefield, Massachusetts launched a strike on March 24, 2026 after contract negotiations failed before the March 23 deadline. Around 60 members of Teamsters Local 3 walked out, affecting packaging production at the facility.
The strike has been described as an unfair labor practice strike following the expiration of the previous labor agreement. Workers are calling for improved wages, affordable healthcare, and no reductions to retirement contributions.
The Wakefield facility produces printed packaging, including pizza boxes used by major foodservice brands such as Domino’s and Papa John’s. The site is part of Smurfit Westrock’s large North American packaging manufacturing network.
Teamsters Local 3 represents packaging and printing workers in the Boston area. The union said workers will remain on strike until a new agreement is negotiated.
Smurfit Westrock is one of the largest paper packaging companies in the world, with annual revenue of more than $21 billion. The company supplies packaging to food companies, foodservice chains, and FMCG manufacturers.
Labor disputes in packaging manufacturing can affect packaging supply for food products, takeaway packaging, and private label goods, particularly if strikes continue for an extended period.
The strike began immediately after the contract expired, and negotiations are expected to continue.
Why it matters
This situation is important for the packaging and FMCG supply chain because Smurfit Westrock is a major supplier of paper-based food packaging. Disruptions at packaging plants can affect packaging availability for food brands, takeaway chains, and supermarket private label products. Similar supply risks have been seen in the German packaging sector in recent years, where energy costs, labor availability, and production capacity have already put pressure on packaging supply.
Labor shortages and contract disputes are becoming an increasing operational risk in the packaging sector, particularly in North America where many food packaging products are produced locally. If strikes continue, packaging lead times and costs can be affected across the foodservice and FMCG supply chain.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on an official press release issued by Teamsters Local 3 on March 24, 2026 regarding strike action at the Smurfit Westrock facility in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
