Concrete Drivers’ Strike Delays Darien’s Concrete Repair Program

A concrete drivers’ strike has delayed the start of Darien’s concrete replacement program which was schedule to start on Thursday.

About 400 drivers walked off the job earlier this week after rejecting a proposed labor contract with the Northern Illinois Ready Mix and Materials Association, the Chicago Tribune reported.

The proposal labor contract covers drivers outside of Cook County and is affecting the DuPage area.

Four Teamsters groups reportedly rejected the proposed contract on Sunday because it “included language that would have eliminated seniority rights,” a striking worker told the paper.

The unions and the association have been negotiating since the contract expired in April, and represent drivers from Ozinga Ready Mix Concrete, Welsch Ready Mix, Prairie Materials and Coal City Redi-Mix, the Tribune said.

Suburban Concrete was awarded the city’s bid to repair or replace sidewalks, driveways, aprons, and curbs and gutters at a reduced cost to Darien homeowners.

In conjunction with the street replacement program, the city is offering reduced pricing to repair concrete on and around their properties. The city is still taking orders during the strike.

Prices are as follows:

• Driveways $5.90 per square foot

Residents wishing to replace their driveways should call Suburban Concrete directly at 847-837-8805, and inform them you are a Darien resident to receive the discount. Suburban Concrete will invoice residents for the work, city officials said.

Residents wishing to replace the sidewalk, apron or depress their driveway curb on their property should call Darien City Hall at 630-353-8102. The city will invoice residents for the work.

The deadline to participate in this year’s program is July 3.