San Diego, California — In a recent unionization ballot, 299 eligible truck drivers in California cast their votes, with 165 rejecting and 76 accepting the proposal to join the Teamsters. The result reflects a clear majority against union representation, despite a high turnout from both sides.

The vote comes after California’s Assembly Bill 5 (A.B. 5) opened a path for independent contractors to be reclassified as employees, granting them potential collective bargaining rights. The bill, championed by the Teamsters, aimed to protect thousands of drivers who were classified as self‑employed, a status that has limited their access to benefits and wage protections.

Last summer, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled in favor of truckers at STG Cartage, reclassifying them from independent contractors to employees. This landmark decision allowed those drivers to pursue unionization, a move celebrated by Teamster leadership as a victory for gig‑economy workers in California. The decision was seen as a turning point that could reshape how trucking companies treat drivers across the state.

Teamsters officials responded to the ballot results with a statement to Law360, asserting that they had “a clear majority of support among XPO’s courageous workers.” They accused XPO of refusing to recognize the union and of violating labor law through unfair practices. However, the ballot tally contradicts that claim, showing that the majority of drivers opted out of union representation.

In addition to the vote, the ballot count included 19 challenged votes and 12 voided ballots. These numbers did not alter the outcome, which remains a decisive rejection of Teamsters’ proposal. The high turnout from both camps—especially the 19 challenged votes—underscores the intensity of the debate among drivers over union affiliation.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the vote means that the collective bargaining protections promised by A.B. 5 remain out of reach. Without union representation, drivers will continue to negotiate contracts individually with carriers, often facing lower wages and limited benefits. Fleet managers may experience increased pressure to maintain competitive rates while keeping compliance with FMCSA regulations and meeting driver turnover expectations.

Owner‑operators, in particular, will not benefit from the potential wage floors or benefit packages that a union could negotiate. The decision also affects OTR truck drivers who rely on standardized pay scales and safety protocols that unions typically advocate for. The lack of union backing could lead to uneven standards across carriers, making it harder for drivers to secure fair compensation and consistent working conditions.

Industry Reaction

Carriers across California are watching the outcome closely. Some fleet operators have signaled that they will continue to offer competitive rates and benefits to retain drivers, while others consider tightening contract terms to offset the absence of union oversight. Advocacy groups for truckers, such as the American Trucking Associations, have called for continued dialogue about improving driver pay and safety standards, regardless of union status.

Industry analysts suggest that the vote may prompt a reevaluation of how carriers structure their driver contracts. With the federal FMCSA regulations still in place, carriers must navigate a complex regulatory landscape while balancing driver satisfaction and operational costs.

Key Points

• 299 eligible drivers voted; 165 rejected and 76 accepted Teamsters unionization.
• California’s A.B. 5 allows independent contractors to become employees, opening bargaining rights.
• Last summer’s NLRB decision reclassified STG Cartage drivers as employees, a win for union advocacy.
• Teamsters cited XPO’s refusal to recognize the union, but ballot results show a majority rejection.

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