Teamsters who are members of Local 1932 at the City of Rancho Cucamonga’s Department of Public Works overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract on February 4, averting a possible strike. The one-year contract secures the approximately 100 employees in the Department their first true raise in almost 8 years and as well as significant improvements to the grievance procedure.

The workers perform daily maintenance of City streets, facilities, parks, and even community spaces at Victoria Gardens shopping center. The group worked hard to stand together during a yearlong negotiating process. The members went on to authorize a strike if needed in July 2018. Ultimately, Teamsters Local 1932, at the negotiating table secured a fair deal on January 30, 2019, and the now-ratified agreement will go to the Rancho Cucamonga City Council for approval on February 20.

“We take pride in what we do to build the City, and when we were not getting appreciated by City officials, we were still putting out quality work for residents,” says Ed Rue, Maintenance Worker, and negotiating team member. “When City officials did not appreciate us, it took a toll on us and our families, but this time we stood together until we got a fair contract.”

“We did not see a real raise in over 7 years, but it’s a new day,” says Don Ballard, Maintenance Worker, and negotiating team member. “We’re Teamsters now and we’re backing each other up for what we deserve.”