(SAN LEANDRO, Calif.) –– Drivers delivering ready-mix concrete to projects funded by state or local public funds will be covered under prevailing wage laws under Assembly Bill (AB) 219 introduced by Tom Daly (D-Anaheim) and signed by Governor Jerry Brown.

“We are pleased that the governor chose to recognize the important role that these drivers play in the execution of publicly funded projects in California. Those drivers will be compensated in an equal manner and on a level playing field,” said Rome Aloise, Teamsters Joint Council 7 President and International Vice President. “No longer will companies be able to charge the same price for concrete and pad their profits by way of paying drivers lower wages.”

Teamster members from throughout California participated during the legislative process for AB 219 that took place before the governor signed it on October 10. 

“Teamster members and concrete mixer drivers participated in multiple visits to elected representatives in order to explain the important role that the mixer drivers play in the construction process, which had been downplayed in the past. They got the message,” said Stu Helfer, Building and Construction Trades Division Western Region International Representative. 

“While many other states are seeing prevailing wage laws attacked, diluted and eliminated, it is encouraging to see a reversal in that trend, with California actually expanding coverage for those toiling to improve public infrastructure,” said Aloise, who also recognized the hard work of Teamsters Joint Council 7 Political Director Doug Bloch who shepherded the concept throughout the process.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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