25 Northgate Ready Mix drivers, after recently voting to join Teamsters 665, have ratified their first Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“Organizing a new unit and getting that first contract is always an uphill battle,” said Local 665 President Mike Yates. “These drivers at Northgate stuck together. That was the key to archiving this success.”
The approved three-year Agreement contains industry standards including top-tier wages for all current workers; health benefits through Teamsters Benefit Trust (TBT); and retirement contributions to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust (WCTPT).
“We were able to bring alignment to the pay scale. The increases will be August 1 st and every twelve months thereafter,” Yates said in a statement.
The ratified Agreement includes improvements in holidays, vacation, sick leave, bereavement, and a boot allowance.
Trainers will now have a designated premium in the contract.
Northgate driver and new Teamster Ismeal Miranda was part of the bargaining committee and expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “All of us came together to make this happen. We now have better wages and conditions. The new contract shows that our work is respected,” Miranda said.
