Northern California Drivers Strike Amid CalPortland Negotiation Dispute
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- 350 drivers strike over CalPortland's refusal to bargain in good faith.
- Drivers demand better health care, pensions, and work conditions.
- Teamsters united to force CalPortland to provide realistic bargaining dates.
Concrete Drivers in Northern California Demand Fair Negotiations
Concrete ready-mix truck drivers across Northern California have initiated a strike in response to CalPortland's refusal to engage in fair contract negotiations. The affected drivers, numbering over 350, are represented by Teamsters Locals 853, 665, 315, and 150.
The conflict began on June 8 when the local unions sought concurrent negotiation dates for new contracts. Instead, CalPortland proposed a staggered schedule, offering only two days per month for each local from August to November, a period following the completion of significant summer projects by CalPortland Teamsters.
“It is an absolute disgrace that CalPortland thinks it can string our members along without bargaining a new contract,” stated Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “We aren’t going to wait on CalPortland to grow a moral compass. If the company doesn’t want to come to the table, we are left with no other choice but to force them to by striking.”
Operating across more than 15 CalPortland facilities in Northern California, the drivers are advocating for improved health care provisions, pension security, and a re-establishment of standard working conditions. The drivers' grievances were compounded by CalPortland's recent unilateral policy changes affecting wages, which unions argue demonstrate the company's disregard for lawful bargaining practices.
Stephen Beck Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of Local 853, remarked, “It’s clear that CalPortland fears our unity as Teamsters. That’s why they want to separate us in negotiations and tear down what the Teamsters have built here for over 60 years. But our members will not allow this company to pit us against each other. We are united, and we will not rest until CalPortland starts taking these negotiations seriously.”
The striking Teamsters have pledged to continue their protest until CalPortland commits to meaningful negotiation sessions that honor the drivers' contributions to industry standards, working conditions, and pensions.
For additional information, visit Teamster.org. Follow the Teamsters on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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