Teamsters Union Welcomes US Ecology Workers in Hesperia, California
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
- Workers at US Ecology voted to unionize with Teamsters Local 396.
- Republic Services opposes fair wages despite earning billions yearly.
- Teamsters Local 396 supports over 3,000 workers in Southern California.
Hesperia Waste Facility Employees Unite to Demand Change
Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@teamster.org
(COVINA, Calif.) – In a significant move towards better working conditions, employees at the US Ecology/Republic Services site in Hesperia, California, have joined forces with Teamsters Local 396 through a unionization vote.
Eric Ortega, an employee with four years at the facility, expressed frustration over management's disregard for wage adjustments in line with inflation and the imposition of long-distance shifts. Ortega stated, “We wanted to join the Teamsters because management has neglected us for too long... And now they’re trying to intimidate us out of securing a Teamsters contract. But we see through their lies, we will not retreat, and we will not surrender.”
Republic Services, a major player in the American waste management sector and second in size nationally, faces criticism for its resistance to fair employee treatment and its active efforts against unionization.
Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396, extended a warm welcome to the new members, saying, “On behalf of every member of Local 396, it’s an honor to welcome this hardworking group to the Teamsters Union. We look forward to helping them get a strong union contract that guarantees they are treated with dignity.”
The acquisition of US Ecology by Republic Services for $2.2 billion in 2022 has been a catalyst for increased organizing among workers across the nation, who are rallying for improved wages, benefits, and workplace conditions.
According to Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, “We have seen a huge uptick in organizing activity at US Ecology facilities since they were purchased by Republic. That’s no coincidence. It’s a result of Republic relentlessly imposing its draconian anti-worker policies on the people who make their profits possible.”
Teamsters Local 396, which serves over 3,000 sanitation workers in Southern California, is a significant force in the area, representing communities in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. For additional details, visit TeamstersLocal396.org.
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