Republic Services Workers Now with Teamsters
Editorial StaffThe Facts -
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- Republic Services workers join Teamsters Local 439 to improve pay, benefits, and conditions.
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- Workers faced an intense union-busting campaign but successfully organized.
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- Teamsters Local 439 aims to negotiate a strong contract for over 40 new members.
Landfill Workers Join Local 439, Prepare for First Contract Negotiations
(STOCKTON, Calif.) – Republic Services workers have overwhelmingly voted to join Teamsters Local 439. Over 40 machine operators, laborers, and maintenance workers at the Stockton, California, landfill will now negotiate their first contract.
“We organized with the Teamsters because we reached a boiling point over pay, benefits, and working conditions,” said Jose Zepeda, a spotter and new Local 439 member. “I want to thank Local 439 drivers at Republic and Waste Management who supported our campaign. We fought for what we deserve.”
These workers aim to achieve the same gains as Republic drivers already represented by Local 439. Becoming Teamsters allows them to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, aligning them with other Teamsters in the solid waste industry.
“These workers deserve the same rights, pay, and benefits as drivers under a Teamsters contract,” said Sal Lomeli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 439. “I congratulate them and look forward to negotiating a strong contract that rewards their service to our community.”
During the campaign, Republic Services attempted to discourage organizing with an intense union-busting campaign, which ultimately failed.
“Union busters’ lies can’t hide Republic Services' focus on their bottom line,” said Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “The company's disregard for workers’ welfare only strengthens our resolve. More workers at Republic are now organizing with the Teamsters.”
For over 60 years, Teamsters Local 439 has represented workers in San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras, and Tuolumne counties. For more information, visit Teamsters439.com.
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