Union Bargaining Committee presents strong program of change to Hallcon officials
The UE bargaining committee of 8 drivers from around the country has been fighting for better jobs for the 1,000 drivers covered by our national contract. The bargaining committee comes from Local 155 in New Jersey (Johnny Bardge), Local 716 in Ohio (Sam Foti), Local 1177 in Indiana and Illinois (Larry Hopkins and Clarence Hill) and Local 1077 in California and Nevada (Laura Johnson, Ron Russell, Malissa Gollaher, and Bobby Rivera).
We began meeting with the Company on July 18th in Sacramento, CA and we have met for 8 sessions. The talks so far have been tough because we don’t see eye to eye with Hallcon on many matters, but we have made some progress. Contract bargaining begins with contract language items or non-economic items first. We have made progress that includes:
- Managers will use an overtime list to coordinate overtime.
- Managers will not be allowed to use field request as retaliation, and we’ve made improvements to our rights under discipline.
- No employee shall be disciplined for refusing to drive an unsafe vehicle, nor shall they be required to drive a vehicle determined to be unsafe.
- Hallcon agreed to Union card check for new drivers coming into the Union.
- The Company will give new members Union introduction materials when they are hired and Union Stewards can attend new employee orientation while being paid. The Company will assist in signing up drivers that have not signed membership cards.
- The Company settled a grievance in California regarding over hiring which left drivers with no hours. 45 drivers will get some cash in the grievance settlement.
UE and the fight for $15 and more
On August 1st, the Union put forward a wage and benefit package that aims for all drivers to earn at least $15 per hour after three years, and those that are close to $15, much higher (some California locations have drivers at or near $15). Drivers with 4 to 15 years of seniority would receive a one-time wage increase in areas where new drivers have higher wages because of minimum wage increases. We proposed On Call Pay for Road Drivers as well as a fully paid health, dental, vision plan and a 12% a year retirement package.
But we must remember that the only way to reach our goals is for drivers to swing into action! We need your support and help to push Hallcon for $15 and healthcare.
You can assist by getting on a national phone call to hear from the bargaining committee and discuss next steps. There will be 3 times to get on the call, and each call will provide the same information:
National Phone Call August 17th
- 8am, 11am, 4pm PACIFIC;
- 10am, 1pm, 6pm CENTRAL;
- 11am, 2pm, 7pm EASTERN
Members are encouraged to get on the call and hear the updates. The phone number is (218) 895-3079 passcode 334 124# Please mute your phone when you are not asking a question.
The Union Bargaining Committee is also asking that you sign and circulate a “Fight for A Living Wage” petition. Drivers want real wage increases, and we all know that we get what we fight for. The only way we will make real changes is if members stand together and take action to demand a living wage if the Company rejects our proposals.
Our next bargaining session with Hallcon is August 23rd in Chicago. We’re asking all drivers to wear your UE button and show the Company our Union is united in our demand for a living wage with benefits!
Next Bargaining Dates
- August 23 & 24 Chicago, IL
- August 29 & 30 Chicago, IL
Please wear your UE button to support the fight for living wages, better benefits and a good contract.
