Merchandise Drivers Local No. 641

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Forty-five cement mixers and drivers, including 16 from Hudson County, went on strike Thursday, July 10th.  The contract with Colonial Concrete Company expired April 30 and the union membership voted unanimously to go on strike after negotiations failed to reach an agreement over wages and pensions.

"They gave us a final offer and it wasn't what we were willing to accept,"

The union membership was asking for a 3 percent raise and the Colonial Concrete Company wanted to stop contributing to the employees' pensions.

"Everybody counts on our pension down the road," said Billy Cunningham, President of Teamsters Local 641.,  "It's our future we're looking at."

Members of Local 408, with branches in Newark and Pompton Lakes, joined the strike, making about 45 strikers in all. Union members are picketing at Colonial Concrete Company plants in both Newark (off Rt. 21) and Fairview, (on Fairview Avenue off of Tonnelle Ave).

Jan Katz, Vice President of Local 641, along with supporting Teamster members distribute supplies from the Food Bank, transported by the Joint Council Tractor Trailer.

                                                      Passing truckers showed their support!

Last modified: 07/17/08