Teamsters Locked Out After Rejecting Concession-Filled Contract

Workers Face Lockout After Rejecting Contract with Concessions

In a dramatic escalation, over 300 Teamsters employed by National Ready Mixed Concrete have been barred from work following their rejection of a contract that included significant concessions. This lockout impacts employees at ten facilities across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties, affecting drivers, mechanics, and bulk material haulers.

Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division, remarked, “Let’s be clear. This isn’t about what the company can afford. Their own president admitted it’s not about the money, they just don’t want to pay. This is corporate greed, plain and simple. They’re punishing the very workers who made their success possible.”

The proposed contract, which was overwhelmingly rejected, sought to undermine key worker protections with a manipulated seniority system, increased management powers, and provisions limiting legal accountability under the Private Attorneys General Act. The lockout means workers are deprived of their pay and health benefits, jeopardizing hundreds of families across Southern California.

Chris Griswold, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 986 and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large, stated, “This company has no shame. These Teamsters haul concrete through brutal heat, traffic, and long hours. Locking them out is an attack on every working family in this region.”

Just days before, Teamsters at Catalina Pacific Concrete had successfully negotiated a contract with no concessions and real wage increases, underscoring what can be achieved with good-faith negotiations.

Rickie Carter, a mixer driver of seven years with Local 986, expressed his frustration, “I’ve given years to this company, and now I’m locked out for standing up for my rights. They’re trying to test our resolve, but we’re not backing down. We’re going to hold this company accountable and win the contract we deserve.”

The union has lodged multiple unfair labor practice complaints over accusations of surface bargaining and bad faith. They demand an immediate halt to the lockout, reinstatement of all affected workers, and a sincere return to negotiations.

Ernesto Medrano, Executive Secretary of the LA/OC Building Trades Council, voiced his support, stating, “The lockout by National Ready Mixed is a blatant act of disrespect toward these hardworking men and women. The Building Trades stand shoulder to shoulder with the Teamsters in demanding fair wages and accountability.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with a history dating back to 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information is available at Teamster.org. Follow updates on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.