(LOS ANGELES) – More than 300 Teamsters at National Ready Mixed Concrete were locked out of their jobs this morning after overwhelmingly rejecting a contract packed with concessions, including cuts to seniority, unchecked management power, and substandard wages. The lockout affects drivers, mechanics, and bulk material haulers at ten locations across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.
“Let’s be clear. This isn’t about what the company can afford. Their own president admitted it’s not about the money, they just don’t want to pay,” said Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “This is corporate greed, plain and simple. They’re punishing the very workers who made their success possible.”
The rejected proposal would have gutted core worker protections through a rigged seniority system, dangerous expansion of management control, and language designed to limit legal accountability under the Private Attorneys General Act. The lockout strips workers of their paychecks and health care coverage, threatening the stability of hundreds of working families across Southern California.
“This company has no shame,” said Chris Griswold, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 986 and Teamsters International Vice President At-Large. “These Teamsters haul concrete through brutal heat, traffic, and long hours. Locking them out is an attack on every working family in this region.”
The retaliation comes just days after Teamsters at Catalina Pacific Concrete ratified a strong contract with no concessions, real wage increases, and strong language on seniority and dispatch. That agreement shows exactly what’s possible when a company negotiates in good faith.
“I’ve given years to this company, and now I’m locked out for standing up for my rights,” said Rickie Carter, a seven-year mixer driver and member of Local 986. “They’re trying to test our resolve, but we’re not backing down. We’re going to hold this company accountable and win the contract we deserve.”
The Teamsters have filed multiple unfair labor practice charges over surface bargaining and bad faith conduct. The union is demanding an immediate end to the lockout, full reinstatement of all affected workers, and a serious return to the bargaining table.
“The lockout by National Ready Mixed is a blatant act of disrespect toward these hardworking men and women,” said Ernesto Medrano, Executive Secretary of the LA/OC Building Trades Council. “The Building Trades stand shoulder to shoulder with the Teamsters in demanding fair wages and accountability.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
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