(The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued the following news release on June 6.)
WASHINGTON — The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Maritech Leasing today announced the first new union contract between the Teamsters and a port trucking company in more than 20 years. The two entities hailed the new agreement as the first step toward a solution to the problems that have plagued port trucking throughout the United States.
“This is the initial step to re-establishing the Teamsters in America’s ports,” said Chuck Mack, Director of the Teamsters Port Division and Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “Port drivers on the West Coast now have a contract that guarantees them fair wages, health and pension benefits and a grievance system.”
Maritech also agreed to remain neutral during any future organizing efforts by the Teamsters at their terminals across the country. Company officials believe that retaining quality workers is a crucial key to providing their customers with unparalleled service.
Two years ago, the shipping industry accepted a $16 billion loss to secure changes it believed would create more efficient terminal operations. Now, many stakeholders have indicated they will pay reasonable rates to ensure a productive and dependable road transport system for the final miles of a container’s journey. They have come to realize that they must treat truck drivers as partners.
“Maritech has agreed to periodic reviews and wage adjustments as the company prospers,” Mack said.
This contract covers truckers operating company equipment, but the Teamsters are also working to represent owner-drivers hauling for port trucking companies throughout the United States.
“We believe that inter-modal transport companies see the advantage of treating owner-drivers as employees and stabilizing the industry through a Teamster contract,” Mack said.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Maritech Leasing, based in Long Beach, California, is a subsidiary of Carrix.