California Bill Targets Loophole in Trash Hauler Strike Regulations

The Facts -

California Bill Aims to Prevent Strike-Related Trash Collection Disruptions

As California lawmakers advance SB 1371, a bill designed to protect communities from trash collection disruptions, Teamsters California applauds the crucial measure aimed at enhancing safety and accountability in waste management. With the bill progressing, there is a strong push for Governor Gavin Newsom to endorse it promptly.

Press Contact: Lena Melentijevic Phone: (347) 208-2279 Email: LMelentijevic@teamster.org

"On behalf of Teamsters California, I extend my appreciation to every lawmaker who supported SB 1371. This important bill will make our communities safer and improve the lives of union sanitation workers," said Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division and Co-Chair of Teamsters California. "But the job is not done yet. Teamsters California calls on Governor Newsom to sign SB 1371 without delay and hold multibillion-dollar waste haulers accountable."

Typically, waste management companies include a “force majeure” clause in their agreements with municipalities, allowing them to abandon contractual duties without penalties during major disruptions, such as strikes. SB 1371 seeks to eliminate labor disputes from the circumstances under which these clauses can be applied by waste haulers.

"Giant waste corporations should not be able to force workers, customers, and communities to pay the price of their greed," stated Marcus Ford, a member of Teamsters Local 396 at Republic Services. "The deck is stacked against union workers. SB 1371 would put us on a more level playing field. We call on the Governor to sign this bill into law as soon as possible."

Previously, workers at Republic Services in Stockton, California, under Local 439, resorted to striking, with the action spreading to Southern California and the Bay Area. In the upcoming month, over 3,000 Solid Waste Teamsters in the Los Angeles area are facing impending contract expirations.

Teamsters California, representing 250,000 workers across multiple industries, serves as a prominent voice in the state's economic and community framework. For further details, visit teamstersca.org.

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