Georgia's Southern ReadyMix Drivers Make Union History with Teamsters
In a landmark decision, a group of 70 concrete ready-mix drivers from Southern ReadyMix has united with Teamsters Local 528, becoming the first cohort of concrete truck drivers in Georgia to unionize in over 25 years. This decisive vote took place on June 30, 2026, and signifies not just a victory for these drivers, but also a notable shift in the labor landscape of the construction industry in the state.
The drivers, who play a critical role in delivering concrete to residential and commercial projects across Metro Atlanta and Georgia, have taken this step not just for better wages but also for fairer working conditions and improved healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. By joining the Teamsters, they aim to secure their rights and enhance their livelihoods amidst the rising cost of living and the increasing demand for their skills.
"We could not be prouder of the Southern ReadyMix drivers for their courage to join the Teamsters," stated Tom Gesualdi, the Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. The successful unionization of these drivers comes despite facing significant opposition from their employer, which ran an aggressive anti-union campaign. The drivers have shown that unity and solidarity can indeed triumph over corporate tactics of misinformation and fear.
Chuck Stiles, a representative of Teamsters Local 528, emphasized this sentiment by declaring, "Southern ReadyMix Teamsters have demonstrated that solidarity will always defeat lies and misinformation. We are excited to begin negotiations for their first union contract, one that truly recognizes the tireless effort these drivers bring to their jobs daily."
One of the featured voices in this historic unionization effort is Tony Johnson, a veteran driver for Southern ReadyMix, who expressed, "I voted to become a Teamster because one person can be ignored, but united workers cannot be denied. If Southern ReadyMix attempts to disregard our contributions, we will stand firm with the full backing of the Teamsters behind us. We are eager to approach the bargaining table and secure our first Teamsters contract."
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents more than 1.3 million working individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their mission is to advocate for workers’ rights, and the successful unionization of the Southern ReadyMix drivers is a testament to the enduring strength and relevance of collective bargaining in the modern workforce.
This development not only aims to uplift the specific workforce of Southern ReadyMix but reinforces the importance of union representation in a time where workers' rights are paramount. The implications of this successful vote could resonate beyond the realm of concrete production, instigating a renewed interest in unionization efforts across different sectors and prompting other labor groups to follow suit.
As this story unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how the negotiations for the union contract proceed and whether more workers in the industry will be inspired by the monumental steps taken by their Georgia counterparts. Organizations like the Teamsters are poised to play a key role in facilitating these conversations, advocating for equity, and ensuring that workers’ voices are heard in the construction industry and beyond.
The drivers, who play a critical role in delivering concrete to residential and commercial projects across Metro Atlanta and Georgia, have taken this step not just for better wages but also for fairer working conditions and improved healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. By joining the Teamsters, they aim to secure their rights and enhance their livelihoods amidst the rising cost of living and the increasing demand for their skills.
"We could not be prouder of the Southern ReadyMix drivers for their courage to join the Teamsters," stated Tom Gesualdi, the Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. The successful unionization of these drivers comes despite facing significant opposition from their employer, which ran an aggressive anti-union campaign. The drivers have shown that unity and solidarity can indeed triumph over corporate tactics of misinformation and fear.
Chuck Stiles, a representative of Teamsters Local 528, emphasized this sentiment by declaring, "Southern ReadyMix Teamsters have demonstrated that solidarity will always defeat lies and misinformation. We are excited to begin negotiations for their first union contract, one that truly recognizes the tireless effort these drivers bring to their jobs daily."
One of the featured voices in this historic unionization effort is Tony Johnson, a veteran driver for Southern ReadyMix, who expressed, "I voted to become a Teamster because one person can be ignored, but united workers cannot be denied. If Southern ReadyMix attempts to disregard our contributions, we will stand firm with the full backing of the Teamsters behind us. We are eager to approach the bargaining table and secure our first Teamsters contract."
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents more than 1.3 million working individuals across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their mission is to advocate for workers’ rights, and the successful unionization of the Southern ReadyMix drivers is a testament to the enduring strength and relevance of collective bargaining in the modern workforce.
This development not only aims to uplift the specific workforce of Southern ReadyMix but reinforces the importance of union representation in a time where workers' rights are paramount. The implications of this successful vote could resonate beyond the realm of concrete production, instigating a renewed interest in unionization efforts across different sectors and prompting other labor groups to follow suit.
As this story unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how the negotiations for the union contract proceed and whether more workers in the industry will be inspired by the monumental steps taken by their Georgia counterparts. Organizations like the Teamsters are poised to play a key role in facilitating these conversations, advocating for equity, and ensuring that workers’ voices are heard in the construction industry and beyond.
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