Truckers for Albertsons in North Texas are prepared to strike over concerns about the use of autonomous semi-trucks and demands for better compensation.
The situation: The members of Teamsters Local Union 745 voted to authorize a strike on May 12. This union speaks for nearly 100 Albertsons drivers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
- These drivers represent approximately 90% of Albertsons' local trucking workforce.
- Their existing contract expired on Saturday, leaving them without a formal agreement since then.
The concerns: Job security in the face of possible autonomous truck deployment has become a major sticking point. Albertsons is talking about putting language in contracts to allow driverless trucks, causing worry among drivers who feel that the presence of professional truckers is crucial on the road.
"We’re not in favor of putting an 80,000-pound vehicle on the road without a driver," said Michael Perez, a union representative. "Our families and communities deserve better." The union is also advocating for fair wages and benefits for the drivers.
Possible impacts: If drivers strike, grocery deliveries could slow down, leading to potential delays in food availability. Albertsons might hire subcontractors to continue deliveries, leading to concerns over less experienced drivers handling the routes, reported CBS News.
What's next: There is no planned date for the strike, indicating it could occur at any moment. Discussions between Albertsons and the union continue as each side tries to reach a fair agreement. Albertsons stated that they remain committed to productive discussions with the union to reach a fair solution.