Seattle WA, August 16, 2017 – On Tuesday, August 15th, at 10:00 a.m., the Employers returned to the bargaining table with Teamster’s Local 174 with the strong expectation of reaching a contract agreement. Despite the assistance of a federal mediator, negotiations broke down after several hours as the Employers and Local 174 remained substantially divided on the economics of the agreement.
Yesterday, Employers presented an increase of its previous offer on the increase of wages, pension and maintenance of benefits. The current offer represents a twelve percent (12%) increase over a three (3) year period, which is the best offer ever made by CalPortland in King County. The Employers were emphatic regarding their strong desire to achieve a deal as was expressed several times throughout the negotiations. Local 174, however, summarily rejected this offer, and remained entrenched in a much higher demand that was unprecedented and viewed by the Employers as an unsustainable path forward for both parties. CalPortland has provided all relevant information requested by Local 174, and has offered Local 174 the opportunity to inspect various documents in response to its requests. CalPortland will continue its good faith efforts to cooperate with Local 174’s requests for relevant information.
In contrast, on the same date of these negotiations, King County Metro Transit announced that Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 – which represents about 4,100 Metro employees – has approved a three-year labor contract that increases wages by nine percent (9%).
Only CalPortland drivers have been on strike since 7:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, when they were directed by Local 174 to walk off the job. Several CalPortland customers sustained damages because of project pours that were started and then abandoned, left unfinished, due to this deplorable action. This decision came as a shock to CalPortland, as the company has been doing business in the greater Seattle area for over a century, and has historically experienced a good relationship with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
CalPortland, along with three other ready mixed concrete employers, has been actively participating in negotiations with Teamsters Local 174 since July 17th, 2017. False accusations by the Teamsters Local 174 regarding the company being in violation of the federal labor law and failing to bargain in good faith are unfounded, without merit, and have detracted from the bargaining process.
About CalPortland
CalPortland Company is a major producer of cement, ready mixed concrete, aggregates, concrete products and asphalt in the western United States and Canada. Founded in 1891 with the principle of providing unsurpassed quality, CalPortland remains a leader in the industry through its commitment to quality, safety, customer service, technical excellence and environmental leadership. The company maintains its headquarters in Glendora, California and operates in the Western U.S. and two Canadian Provinces. For more information about CalPortland Company, visit www.calportland.com
