NORTHSTATE, Calif. — More than 350 unionized ready-mix concrete truck drivers at CalPortland have gone on strike, accusing the company of refusing to bargain in good faith over new labor contracts.
The drivers are represented by Teamsters Locals 853, 665, 315 and 150 and work at more than 15 CalPortland plants across Northern California, according to the union.
The Teamsters said they have been trying since June 8 to schedule coordinated negotiations. The union claims CalPortland instead offered separate bargaining dates for each local, with only two days of talks per month from August through November.
In simple terms, the workers say the company is making them wait too long and splitting their negotiations into smaller pieces. The drivers want all four union locals to bargain on a faster schedule.
“It is an absolute disgrace that CalPortland thinks it can string our members along without bargaining a new contract,” said Tom Gesualdi, Director of the Teamsters Building Material and Construction Trade Division. “We aren’t going to wait on CalPortland to grow a moral compass. If the company doesn’t want to come to the table, we are left with no other choice but to force them to by striking.”
The union said workers are seeking better health care, stronger pension protections and a return to what it called normal working conditions. It also accused CalPortland of changing parts of workers’ pay packages without notice.
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Outside of the CalPortland Redding Cement Plant in the Mountain Gate community in Shasta County, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. (KRCR)
CalPortland’s response was not included in the Teamsters’ announcement. The union’s allegations have not been decided by the National Labor Relations Board or a court.
The labor dispute comes as CalPortland also faces a separate lawsuit in Shasta County. Cal Fire alleges a company locomotive started the 2023 Wonder Fire near Mountain Gate and is seeking at least $2.8 million in firefighting and investigation costs. Those claims have not been proven in court.
The Teamsters said drivers will remain on the picket line until CalPortland offers what the union considers realistic bargaining dates and negotiates agreements covering pay, pensions and working conditions.
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