Behind the Scenes: Pollard Banknote Workers Join Teamsters

A Labor Victory That Could Shape the Future of Currency Production

While collectors often focus on the artistry and rarity of banknotes, the people who print them are rarely in the spotlight. That changed this week when nearly 200 workers at Pollard Banknote, a major producer of lottery tickets and secure printed materials, voted overwhelmingly to join Teamsters Local 337.

💪 A Union Win for the Currency Industry

The newly unionized group includes:

Press operators

Machine technicians

Folder operators and assistants

These workers are responsible for producing high-security printed materials used by governments and institutions across multiple countries. Their decision to unionize reflects growing momentum in the printing and packaging sector.

“Being a Teamster means the world to my co-workers and me. We run this shop 24/7, and now we can work together to make sure we're compensated fairly,” said Jeremy Helton, a 10-year maintenance technician.

📈 Why It Matters to Collectors

Labor conditions directly affect:

Print quality and consistency

Innovation in security features

Production timelines for new releases

Union representation can lead to better working environments, which in turn supports the precision and care required in banknote production — especially for limited editions and commemorative issues.

🌐 Industry Implications

Todd Lince, President of Local 337, emphasized the broader impact:

“We’re ready to keep the momentum growing. Workers in this industry get more as Teamsters”.

This move could inspire similar actions across other banknote printing facilities, potentially influencing how central banks and private mints approach labor relations and production standards.

✨ Final Thoughts

Banknotes are more than just currency — they’re the result of skilled craftsmanship, technical precision, and human labor. As collectors, understanding the stories behind the notes adds depth to our appreciation. Today’s union victory is a reminder that the people behind the press matter just as much as the notes they produce