Some 90 workers from Pony Express Corporation of America, 3454 S. West Temple, were picketing Tuesday, saying the company is stalling about negotiating a contract since they voted to become members of the Teamsters Union last June.
Al Longoria, a spokesman for Teamster Local 222, contends the company is continuing to put off contract talks and the employees are frustrated with what they perceive as unsafe working conditions and low wages. Meanwhile, Pony Express, a nationwide courier service, has hired temporary employees to keep operating.The strike in Salt Lake City comes on the heels of similar action in Kentucky, Washington, Oregon and Pittsburgh. "Pony Express drivers are paid near the minimum wage and often receive no benefits, and yet they are asked to safely transport valuable and hazardous cargo on rigid time schedules," said Longoria.
In the past year, Pony Express workers at 58 locations voted to have the Teamsters Union represent them at the bargaining table. However, the company engaged in a series of stalling tactics designed to deprive the drivers of their democratic right to organize and bargain collectively, Longoria said.