Readout: Deputy Secretary Su, Teamsters Union discuss Driving Good Jobs Initiative, better conditions for workers

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su hosted an online listening session with members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to discuss strategies for improving trucking job quality, and for retaining and recruiting drivers.

The discussion follows the recent announcement of a partnership between the departments of Labor and Transportation as part of the Driving Good Jobs Initiative. The partnership includes a series of listening sessions to engage drivers, unions and other trucking industry stakeholders to improve labor standards and ensure that the concerns of workers are heard and addressed. These efforts align with the Biden-Harris administration’s Trucking Action Plan.

“Truck drivers from across the country who are members of The International Brotherhood of Teamsters – the nation’s largest private-sector union for truck drivers and related industries – provided us with invaluable insight about the importance of ensuring truck drivers receive family-sustaining wages and benefits, work in safe and healthy working conditions, have a voice in the workplace, and access to training opportunities,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su. “The Driving Good Jobs Initiative offers us a roadmap as we work with trucking industry stakeholders to implement ‘high road’ employment practices, including collective bargaining, to meet the industry’s critical workforce needs.”

Topics discussed during today’s session included the misclassification of drivers as independent contractors, better compensation for drivers, support for collective bargaining and enhanced industry training and safety standards. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of addressing racial and gender inequities in the industry, and increasing outreach to drivers of color and women, with a focus on personal safety to attract more women to the industry.

Read more about the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters.