July 12, 2002

An arbitrator recently awarded $110,000 to approximately 50 concrete drivers at JDM Materials in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. The back pay award covers time when the employer had forced the Local 384 members to work through lunch without compensation.

“This is the largest award we’ve won,” said Rob Keller, President of Local 384. “We’re extremely pleased with it.”

The arbitration process for this case had been going on for nearly two years, Keller said. The leadership at the local worked with Chief Steward Ed Gomery and Business Agent Gene Lonchar to achieve the favorable outcome for the workers.

Keller said the company conceded once it became clear Local 384 was willing to attack the situation from every angle.

“No deals were going to be made,” he said. “The money was going to be paid.”