The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) has announced the signing of what it calls the first new union contract between the union and a port trucking company in over 20 years. The contract was signed with Maritech Leasing, based in Long Beach, CA.
“Port drivers on the West Coast now have a contract that guarantees them fair wages, health and pension benefits and a grievance system,” said Chuck Mack, director of Teamsters Port Division and vp—IBT.
The contract covers drivers operating company equipment and not owner-operators, although IBT stressed that it is working to represent independents as well.
According to the Teamsters, Maritech also agreed to remain neutral during any future organizing efforts by the Teamsters at their terminals.