Teamsters Strike for Health and Pension Rights Against Quikrete

Teamsters Demand Health and Pension Security Amid Contract Dispute with Rinker Quikrete

(LAS VEGAS) – In a significant labor dispute, members of Teamsters Local 631 have launched a strike against Rinker Quikrete, a leading manufacturer of building materials, following a breakdown in contract negotiations. The workers are advocating for vital health care and retirement protections after rejecting a proposed contract from the company.

Tommy Blitsch, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 631, emphasized the company's dependency on its skilled workforce, stating, “Quikrete is one of the most profitable construction material companies in the country because of hardworking Teamsters. Our members will hold the line as long as it takes. If Quikrete thinks we are going to fold, they are in for a long ride.”

Quikrete's demand for union concessions has been a sticking point in negotiations. Despite the firm's substantial annual revenue, it sought to transition workers from their existing union health and pension plans to company-sponsored alternatives aimed at reducing employee benefits.

Jose Lovos, a Local 631 member, expressed the personal impact of potential health care changes: “It’s extremely hurtful that Quikrete wants to take away our health care. I have a child with cancer, and the company wants me to pick between my paycheck and her medicine. We aren’t just striking for our jobs — we are striking because it is the difference between life and death for our families. We will not rest until we are guaranteed the health care and retirement plans our families rely on.”

The strike will persist until Rinker Quikrete engages in sincere negotiations and retracts its concession-laden contract proposal.

Teamsters Local 631 represents various sectors, including gaming, construction, and logistics, across Southern Nevada. Additional details are available at teamsterslocal631.org.