Teamsters Vote to Authorize Strike at Republic Services in California

Southern California Workers Vote for Strike at Republic Services

In an effort to secure a fair contract, workers at EQ Environmental Services tied to Republic Services in Southern California have decisively voted to authorize a strike. Protected under Teamsters Local 396, these workers are crucial in transporting hazardous materials safely throughout the region.

The vote is seen as a robust signal to Republic Services, emphasizing that Teamsters stand united for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396 and Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, emphasized the significance of the workers' roles. “These workers perform dangerous, high-stakes jobs that protect our communities and environment every single day,” he said. “They deserve a contract that respects their contributions — not lowball proposals and corporate stonewalling. The company must bargain in good faith.”

This strike authorization is part of a broader series of labor actions at Republic Services sites nationwide, including in states such as Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. As the second-largest waste and recycling company in the U.S., Republic Services is experiencing growing pressure from its Teamsters-represented workforce to improve their working conditions.

Teamsters Local 396 represents thousands of workers in sanitation and transportation across Southern California, and is a part of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which encompasses over 1.3 million members across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.