Tankhaul drivers and mechanics who work at KAG West at 17 terminals in Southern California have voted to join Local 986. There are 368 workers in the bargaining unit.

“This victory is for the drivers and mechanics, our families, our rights on the job and our dignity,” said Javier Luevano, a KAG West driver. “It feels good to be a Teamster.”

“Tankhaul is a core Teamster industry, which makes this such an important organizing victory,” said Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “We will build on this victory and organize more professional tankhaul drivers across the country.”

“Today is a victory for KAG West employees and the tankhaul industry overall,” said Chris Griswold, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 986 in South El Monte, California. “It has been years since we’ve had a tankhaul organizing victory, and this win is just the beginning. We will move forward with organizing more tankhaul workers and we look forward to negotiating a strong contract for the KAG West workers. This victory resulted from a strong partnership between the International Union and Local 986.”

“For the Tankhaul Division, this is a huge victory,” said Keith Gleason, Director of the Teamsters Tankhaul Division. “We will expand this victory into other areas. KAG West is part of the Kenan Advantage Group, the largest petroleum carrier in the nation. This victory shows what Teamsters can do when we all work together. I tip my hat to all the local unions who helped out, the Joint Councils and the International Union’s Organizing Department.”

Workers voted Friday, August 13 and Monday, August 16. Ballots were counted Tuesday, August 17.

“This victory feels great—our hard work paid off,” said Luis Carcamo, a driver. “We look forward to negotiating a contract that will provide fair wages, respect, and a contract that will give us a brighter future.”

The workers formed their union to address several key issues. They want to receive fair wages and better benefits that reflect their skills and training. The company recently cut the workers’ hourly wage by $1.91. Workers also want improved safety, to get paid time and one half for working more than eight hours a day or 40 hours per week, and are seeking paid breaks and lunches that workers are entitled to receive. They also want to get paid for all time worked in the service of the employer, and get treated with respect, dignity and fairness by management.