Headline News
Port Trucking Drivers in California Join Teamsters Local 63
By a vote of 52-2, port trucking drivers at Seldat Distribution, Inc. in Southern California have voted to join Teamsters Local 63.
The drivers work at two port yards in Compton and Fontana. There are about 80 drivers in the bargaining unit. Voting took place in mid-April and votes were counted on April 30.
“The drivers want fair pay after the company changed their pay system,” said Randy Cammack, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 63 in Rialto. “They also want affordable, quality health insurance. I want to thank Local 63 Business Agent Rick Allison and Organizer Robert Amaya, who were instrumental in this victory.”
Unlike most port drivers who are misclassified as independent contractors, Seldat drivers are employees. However, the recent changes to their pay system have resulted in major cuts to their wages.
The company also waged a vicious anti-union campaign. Local 63 is filing numerous unfair labor practice charges for the company’s union-busting tactics that took place during the campaign.
“It feels great to be a Teamster again,” said Jesus Valdez, a driver who had been a member of Local 63 in a previous job. “It feels great to fight for what’s right for the drivers–for fairness.”