Workers at Herc Rentals, represented by Teamsters Local 639, began an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike on April 21 against their employer in Upper Marlboro, Md. After more than six months of negotiations for a first collective bargaining agreement, workers rejected the company’s “last, best, and final offer” and say they were forced to the picket line.

Teamsters at Herc provide essential services and materials to construction sites, as well as WMATA and Metro throughout the D.C. region.

“In addition to not providing Teamsters with the first contract they deserve,” said an April 21 Local 639 press release, “Herc Rentals has violated labor law and terminated the unit’s lead organizer and negotiating committee member, which Local 639 has filed a ULP on.”

“We are asking to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have our employer bargain with us in good faith,” said Warren Veney, a driver at Herc Rentals and member of Local 639. “We are not asking for anything other than the opportunity to access good health insurance and a fair wage.”