June 3, 2019

Strike averted as contract ratified for group of 9 drivers

After a long and contentious fight that very nearly led to a strike on several occasions, a group of drivers who deliver Veritiv paper products voted on Sunday to ratify a strong new three-year agreement. The new agreement includes big wage increases retroactive to October of 2018 and April of 2019, among other important improvements.

The most meaningful change in the new agreement is a transition to a Paid Time Off system. While Veritiv management intended a one-for-one transition from vacation and floating holiday hours into PTO, the Bargaining Committee fought hard and was able to add additional hours into the protected time off bank, making this new system a lucrative improvement for employees. This, combined with the meaningful wage increases and other contract language improvements, made this contract acceptable to our members.

“This was a fight management really did not need to engage in, as we of course ended up with a contract our members ratified overwhelmingly,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “We are pleased Veritiv management was finally able to recognize and appreciate the hard work their employees perform, and reward them accordingly.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,100 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.