APP/World Kinect workers from Teamsters Locals 58, 174, and 231 will stand together in solidarity as contract negotiations crumble

In a strong display of multi-local solidarity, Teamsters from Locals 58 and 174 voted this weekend to authorize a strike against APP/World Kinect, while APP/World Kinect Teamsters at Local 231 pledged to stand in solidarity with the rest of the group. This group of over 100 tankhaul drivers deliver critical fuel to customers across Washington state, all of whom would be impacted if Teamsters called a strike. The vote comes after a frustrating negotiation process hit a roadblock of resistance from the employer, who canceled scheduled bargaining dates and has refused to bargain in good faith. Votes at both Local Unions were unanimous.

“The issue here is an employer who refuses to recognize the economic realities in front of them, and refuses to respect the work their employees perform every day,” said Teamsters Joint Council 28 President Rick Hicks. “These jobs are both critical and dangerous, as drivers are transporting one of the most flammable substances on the planet on crowded roadways. Our members deserve far better treatment than they have been receiving, and we hope that this unanimous vote will force their employer to come back to the table with the authority to effect real change that will make APP/World Kinect a better place to work.”

While each of the three Local Unions bargain their own contracts with APP/World Kinect, negotiations have included representatives from all three Locals together at the table. This solidarity between Teamster Locals Unions and workers across the state means greater strength and the potential for a much wider impact were a strike to commence. APP/World Kinect provides fuel to a long list of customers across the state, including some very large and recognizable names. A strike could potentially cut off fuel delivery to all of these customers, leading to a cascading impact across a wide variety of industries.

“A strike is always a last resort, and it is our hope that APP/World Kinect does the right thing and comes back to the table to bargain in good faith – and makes sure the representatives they send have actual authority to bargain a fair agreement,” Hicks continued. “The fact is that nickels and dimes won’t cut it in today’s economy, and this company needs to recognize that. But even more importantly, management needs to recognize that their experienced and professional workforce is valuable and deserves to be treated with respect. This is a highly skilled and technical job that not many people can safely perform, and if it takes a strike to make the company realize that, then that is what we will do. Teamsters do not back down.”

The contract at 174 expires at the end of November 30, meaning the first possible day a strike could start would be December 1. No further negotiations between the two sides have been scheduled.