Tankhaul Workers in Southern California Vote to Join Teamsters Local 986

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Aug 18, 2010, 02:56 ET

Workers Seek Fair Pay, Improved Benefits, Overtime Pay, Respect and Dignity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tankhaul drivers and mechanics who work at KAG West at 17 terminals in Southern California have voted to join Local 986 in South El Monte. There are 368 workers in the bargaining unit.

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"This victory is for the drivers and mechanics, our families, our rights on the job and our dignity," said Javier Luevano, a KAG West driver. "It feels good to be a Teamster."

"Tankhaul is a core Teamster industry, which makes this such an important organizing victory," said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "We will build on this victory and organize more professional tankhaul drivers across the country."

"Today is a victory for KAG West employees and the tankhaul industry overall," said Chris Griswold, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 986 in South El Monte, California. "It has been years since we've had a tankhaul organizing victory, and this win is just the beginning. We will move forward with organizing more tankhaul workers and we look forward to negotiating a strong contract for the KAG West workers. This victory resulted from a strong partnership between the International Union and Local 986."

"For the Tankhaul Division, this is a huge victory," said Keith Gleason, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division. "We will expand this victory into other areas. KAG West is part of the Kenan Advantage Group, the largest petroleum carrier in the nation. This victory shows what Teamsters can do when we all work together. I tip my hat to all the local unions who helped out, the Joint Councils and the International Union's Organizing Department."

Workers voted Friday, August 13 and Monday, August 16. Ballots were counted Tuesday, August 17. Workers voted 197-147 to form their union.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters