Teamsters Local 174 Drivers win major victory alongside Teamsters Local 117 Warehouse Workers

Last weekend, a group of six Veritiv drivers unanimously ratified one of the strongest contracts they have ever seen. The contract included major improvements to wages, continued Teamster medical coverage, and pension increases, alongside improvements to vacation and contract language affecting workers’ day-to-day lives. The contract was reached after a cordial and productive negotiation process, with the Bargaining Committees of Teamsters Local 174 and Local 117 sitting side by side and Company representatives communicating openly with both Locals. The resulting contract is a historic victory for the two groups.

“I have always said that Local 174 fights just as hard for our smaller groups of members as we do for our larger groups, and this contract victory proves it,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “This contract is also a testament to what can be done when everyone works together cooperatively – in this case, two different Local Unions and Veritiv management. By addressing problems directly and communicating freely, we were able to achieve a contract that rewards our members for the work they do every day, and we were able to achieve it quickly without combative behavior at the bargaining table. We look forward to continuing these cordial relationships with Veritiv in the future, so that our members can continue to stand strong together and achieve the strong contracts they deserve.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,400 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.