Drivers and warehouse workers for Sysco, a major provider of food to local hospitals and nursing homes, are on strike in Syracuse.

The people who work for Sysco are represented by Teamsters Local 317 and say it's due to unfair labor practices. 

While Upstate University Hospital will not be effected, St. Joseph's Health officials say they are in communication with Sysco and have plans to make sure there are no interruptions in their service. 

The strike comes six weeks after negotiations between labor representatives and the company.

"Our labor agreement expired on August 19. We've met with the company numerous times. We got pretty close to getting a deal done, but unfortunately things fell through," said John Miller, on-site labor representative for Teamsters Local 317.

In response, Sysco representatives told Spectrum News 1 quote, "Sysco Syracuse offered wage increases that would place our associates at or above market."