Sources: International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 79, Tampa, Fla.; CP staff
Teamsters Local 79 has prevailed in an election to serve as bargaining agent for drivers at the Cemex Port Charlotte, Fla. ready mixed concrete plant—continuing an organizing streak from 2020 in during which the union secured representation at four plants the producer operates in Ft. Myers and Naples.
“This is the fifth batch plant that has joined us in less than a year and we are thrilled to welcome them,” says Local 79 President Brian Rothman. “Essential service workers throughout the Sunshine State are realizing their value and exercising their power accordingly. These workers are heroes for keeping the economy running during the awful pandemic and it’s about time that they be recognized as such.”
“Ready-mix drivers throughout the country know that the only way to ensure that the skilled workers in this craft receive the wages and benefits they deserve is through a Teamster contract,” adds IBT Building Material and Construction Trade Division Director Bubba Davis, who notes that the Florida election representation victories are part of a nationwide wave of organizing successes Teamsters have had in ready mixed concrete over the past year.