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DHL Contractor Employees Join Local 986
Sergio Rodriguez is a five-year employee at KWK Trucking in Los Angeles. He and his co-workers recently voted to form their union with the Teamsters on February 28.
“It feels wonderful being a Teamster, seeing our long effort finally pay off,” said Rodriguez, a lead driver. His employer, KWK Trucking is a contractor for DHL Express. On February 28, 108 drivers in the bargaining unit voted 83-23 to be represented by Local 986 in South El Monte, Calif.
“We work with drivers from DHL who have a contract that includes strong retirement security, great health care and other benefits,” Rodriguez said. “We want to negotiate a strong first contract that will provide these kinds of improvements.”
Management set up numerous roadblocks to organizing. KWK Trucking hired four union busters to conduct daily captive audience meetings, one-on-one meetings and attempted very hard to persuade the drivers to vote no.
“The drivers remained strong and united throughout the entire process and were not fazed by the company’s union-busting tactics,” said Chris Griswold, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 986. “We look forward to negotiating a strong first contract that addresses the drivers’ needs.”