Dear Brother and Sisters,

Four grievances were advanced on Friday night. Please read the attached document for further information.

Teamster-Grievance-Update-17-November-2024

As Barry promised, we are fighting the bullshit Plant Postings Memo that Elout put out on November 1st. Barry filed a policy grievance this afternoon. I want to thank all our Brothers that helped gather the overwhelming amount of proof that management is once again lying through their teeth and violating the CBA. We will win, and they will pay!

When you’re behind the wheel of a concrete truck for 10-12 hours a day, the last thing you need is management breathing down your neck and treating you with disrespect. As your union representatives, we’ve heard from drivers and plant workers across Heidelberg Materials about managers who think intimidation is a management style. We’re here to tell you: it stops now!

The Impact On Our Work

We keep this company running.

Without us, not a single meter of concrete moves. We’re the ones standing in the rain, dealing with traffic, dealing with pissed off customers, and construction site delays. We know what it takes to get the job done safely and right. But instead of respect, our managers respond with threats, union-busting tactics, and bullying. We’ve seen good drivers quit because of this treatment. Others are dealing with stress that affects their health and safety on the road. When you’re operating a vehicle that weighs up to 80,000 pounds, you need to be focused on safety, not worried about a supervisor’s next power trip.

Why We Must Stand Together

Our union members deserve respect. Period. The same goes for every worker at the plant, in maintenance, and in the yard. When management pushes one of us around, they’re testing how far they can push all of us. By standing together, we show Heidelberg Materials that we won’t tolerate bullying of any driver or worker. Management needs to understand: respect for workers isn’t optional – it’s a requirement.

Your Rights Matter

Let’s be crystal clear about your rights: No supervisor can force you to drive an unsafe truck. No one can retaliate against you for reporting harassment. You have the right to union representation in any meeting that could lead to discipline. You have the right to speak up about unsafe conditions or mistreatment without fear. These rights are backed by our union contract and labour law.

Taking Action Together

When managers and supervisors cross the line, write it down. Note the date, time, and what happened. If there were witnesses, write down their names. Tell your shop steward. If you see a fellow driver or worker being harassed, speak up. Back each other up. The company might own the trucks, but we’re the ones who make this operation work. Every time you support a coworker who’s being bullied, you strengthen all of us.

Moving Forward

Our demands are simple: Treat us with respect. Stop the bullying. Listen to drivers and workers who know their jobs. The strength of our union comes from the cab of every truck, from every worker at every plant. When we stand together, Heidelberg Materials has to listen.

This isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being treated like the skilled professionals we are. We keep the concrete flowing, the customers satisfied, and the construction sites supplied. All we’re asking for is basic respect and dignity on the job.

Remember: When they mess with one driver, they mess with all of us.

The next step is yours. Come to our next union meeting. Talk to your shop steward. Join our fight for respect on the job. Every driver and worker who speaks up makes our union stronger. Together we can get the bad apples removed from the management team. Together, we can make Heidelberg Materials a better place to work.

Contract enforcement is a crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring fair treatment at Heidelberg Materials, and while you may think that Heidelberg Materials stands alone as the only shitty company on planet earth where contract enforcement is necessary…

You would be wrong!

Lots of companies across the US and Canada are shitty: UPS, Coca-Cola, and Amazon to name a few.

Here’s why contract enforcement is so important:

Upholding Negotiated Terms: When our union successfully negotiates a contract with the employer, it’s essential that the agreed-upon terms are actually implemented. As we know, Heidelberg Materials engages in union busting, so without proper enforcement, our hard-won benefits and protections could become meaningless.

Setting Precedents: Successful enforcement actions can set important precedents that benefit not just our current members, but future employees as well. Thanks to past precedent at Rempel Bros and Ocean, we were able to cement important language into our current CBA. Language involving paid breaks; bumping; and being paid back to your seniority start time when you require your 10 hour break.

Increasing Solidarity: Some of our members are fearful of management and afraid to file a grievance, which is EXACTLY what the union busting pricks in the company want! When your fellow brothers and sisters see you enforcing the contract, they learn that they aren’t going to die when they submit a grievance. Effective contract enforcement demonstrates that WE ARE THE UNION and we will support and defend each other – and management’s threats are as meaningless as lint.

Deterring Violations: When managers know that contract violations will be swiftly addressed and that increased costs will result, they’re less likely to attempt to skirt the rules. This creates a more stable and fair work environment.

Resolving Disputes: A well-enforced contract provides a clear framework for resolving workplace disputes, reducing confusion and conflicts between workers and management. We are not looking for a fight – however, we will not shrink from one either.

So by now you are probably wondering…

Who Is Responsible For Contract Enforcement?

YOU ARE!

You are the union. Your shop stewards have volunteered to guide you and lead you in battle – but you are the guy swinging the sword!

Every grievance  enforces the contract and is a swipe of the sword in our battle against this company. That is why we are now requiring a Grievance Report for every grievance. Even the ones that are settled informally.

In conclusion, contract enforcement is normal and is the backbone of the Teamsters Union’s effectiveness. It ensures that the promises made during negotiations become realities, ultimately leading to better pay, working conditions and job security for our members.

So if your pay is screwed up… if you rights are being violated.. or if you are being bullied by an Operations Manager – file a grievance!

PRINT and share the following flyer “Best Practices for Contract
Enforcement”:

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