California Teamsters are pushing for legislation that would limit union busting and misclassification

The passage of AB 2754, SB 399 is a triumph of Union advocacy and mobilization

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – Teamsters across California are celebrating the successful campaign to pass House Bill 2754 (AB 2754) and Senate Bill 399 (SB 399), which will address worker misclassification and intimidation across the state.

SB 399 prohibits forced attendance at public meetings sponsored by employers, as well as employer-sponsored presentations full of anti-union propaganda designed to discourage organizing efforts. California is the tenth and largest state to ban these obscure practices, which generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the union-busting industry.

“Captive public meetings are nothing more than a tool for greedy corporations to coerce workers through fear and intimidation,” said Peter Finn, vice president of Teamsters Western Region International and president of Joint Council 7. “This is a major victory for free speech and the Rights of Workers.” Workplace Rights and the American Labor Movement. The Teamsters were honored to have led the cross-union coalition that made this victory possible.”

AB 2754 closes a major loophole that allowed trucking companies to continue misclassifying their drivers as independent contractors. Customers who hire bad actors in the industry will now be held jointly and severally liable for the practice, ensuring a level playing field for workers, consumers and companies that comply with the law.

“Employers who misclassify drivers are defrauding workers while defrauding their competition and every taxpayer in the state,” said Chris Griswold, Teamsters Vice President At-Large and President of Joint Council 42. “AB 2754 will help ensure that those who abide by the law, do so.” will not be undermined by those who thrive on greed and abuse. The Teamsters would like to extend our sincerest thanks to Asm. Anthony Rendon, State Senator Aisha Wahab and every other member of the California Legislature who was responsible for getting these bills signed into law.”

Teamsters Joint Councils 7 and 42 collectively include 300,000 professionals throughout California, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. Members work in a variety of occupations in the private and public sectors, including freight and delivery, construction, dairy, beverage, rail, ports, food processing, parking, waste/recycling, hotels, transportation, schools, public services and many other industries .