Garbage Haulers Return to Work After Weeks-Long Strike
Garbage haulers in several Bay Area cities have resumed their duties after a weeks-long strike, following an agreement between union officials from Teamsters Local 439 and Republic Services. The union’s president, Rick Buzo, expressed relief and satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the members had secured what they deserved.
Republic Services confirmed the tentative agreement in a statement, noting that Forward Landfill employees would return to work on Saturday. The company acknowledged the community’s patience during the disruption and pledged to expedite recycling and waste collection efforts.
The strike initially began in the Boston area, where over 400 Republic Services workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 have been on strike since July 1. The strike quickly gained national attention, with more than 2,000 Republic workers joining in solidarity across the country. Picket lines extended to Los Angeles and Youngstown, Ohio, as the labor dispute escalated.
Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien criticized Republic Services for its refusal to offer fair wages, benefits, and contracts. He emphasized that the company’s greed was forcing essential workers into the streets. “We don’t want this garbage piling up. We want to return to work. But we refuse to be exploited,” he said in a statement.
Teamsters Local 439 workers at Forward Landfill in Manteca, San Joaquin County, had been negotiating their first contract for months. The initial offer from Republic Services included a 1.7% raise, which equated to just 30 cents per hour for employees earning $20 an hour. Additionally, there was no relief on health care costs, which some workers were paying up to $1,200 monthly.
Buzo rejected the offer, stating, “We don’t do 30-cent raises.” After waiting a month for a better deal, the landfill workers voted overwhelmingly to strike. The union then encouraged commercial and residential waste haulers, who already had negotiated contracts, to join the picket line.
The strike led to significant disruptions in Northern California, with odorous waste bags piling up in residential areas. Officials in many cities asked residents to take their garbage to designated drop-off sites. The impact of the strike was felt as far south as Half Moon Bay, affecting communities such as San Jose, Richmond, Suisun City, and Stockton.
Local mayors took action, urging Republic Services to reach an agreement and threatening to cut ties if the company did not comply. Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi warned on social media that the city was facing a “health and safety crisis” due to the lack of service. She threatened to terminate the contract if Republic Services did not agree to a rate cut for customers.
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia celebrated the agreement on social media, informing residents that garbage collection would resume on the regularly scheduled days starting Monday. He also mentioned that the county would continue to push for rate relief for residents.
Buzo highlighted that the tentative agreement, set for a vote on Sunday morning, includes a five-year contract with improved wages and significantly reduced health care costs. He emphasized the dangerous nature of the jobs and the importance of ensuring workers can access medical treatment without hesitation.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local updates and community efforts to address waste management issues. The situation underscores the critical role of essential workers and the ongoing negotiations between unions and companies to ensure fair treatment and conditions.
