(Santa Rosa, Calif) – A Local 665 member at Vulcan Materials, unjustly fired nearly a year ago, has been returned to work and awarded significant back pay following an arbitrator’s ruling in his favor.
“This fight started last year when the company chose to fire our member after a shoddy investigation”, said Local 665 Business Representative Tom Woods. “The arbitrator’s decision challenged the employer’s credibility, and the arbitration ruling provides remedy for the injustice faced by our member”.
The arbitrator’s ruling includes $200,000 in back pay and immediate return-to-work.
The concrete-materials member, Joe Ferguson, is happy with the outcome.
“There were problems in the past with the booster (lift axle) and the company was aware of it. The union’s investigation showed this to be the case, and now I’m back to work”, Furguson said. “I am glad to have Teamster Contract protections”.
Strong grievance protections in the Teamster collective bargaining agreement provided the tools needed to sustain a year-long fight.
When Ferguson’s termination first occurred in 2024, business rep. Tom Woods let the Local’s Executive Board know how important the matter was.
“Everyone on the Executive Board, after hearing the issues surrounding our member’s dismissal, realized we needed to pushback”, stated Local 665 Principal Officer Tony Delorio, following the arbitration ruling.
“Tom Woods led the way and our Local gave full support. We’re glad that Joe Ferguson is now back to work with complete financial restitution”, Delorio said.
