November 4, 2022

Group of 56 drivers join heavily-unionized industry as members of Teamsters Union

After a strong vote last week in favor of unionizing, the National Labor Relations Board has officially certified that ready-mix drivers at Corliss Resources will become members of Teamsters Local 174. The vote was nearly four-to-one in favor of unionization, showing workers’ commitment to having a voice at work and a say in their future.

The successful organizing drive was spearheaded by Local 174 Organizing Director Meaza Ogbe, along with Organizer Bryan Ayers and Todd Parker, the Business Agent covering concrete workers within Local 174. The momentous victory comes after a long and bitter concrete industry strike last winter led to historic gains for Teamster workers, demonstrating the power of solidarity and prompting Corliss workers to finally take the plunge and become Teamsters themselves. Now that the victory has been certified, negotiations for a first contract can begin.

“After watching all the chaos and change in this industry over the last year, we realized it was past time for us to go union and get a contract that will put in writing everything we need to protect ourselves and our families,” said Corliss driver and organizing committee leader Jason Nason. “I can’t wait to see how much better things will be once we get a contract. I’m looking forward to life as a Teamster.”

“The only way to stand up to all these concrete companies is to stand together, and with Corliss drivers joining our ranks, we will be stronger than ever,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “We welcome this hardworking group to our union family and look forward to continuing to improve lives for the working class.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,600 working men and women in Seattle and the surrounding areas. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.