Teamsters Strike Expands, Affecting Millions in LA and Ohio

Growing Strike Disrupts Waste Management in Key Regions

(WASHINGTON) – In a significant escalation of their ongoing strike, Teamsters at Republic Services have expanded their actions to include Los Angeles and a large landfill operation in Ohio, affecting millions of people and daily waste operations.

With the strike's extension, more than two million Los Angeles residents will experience disruptions in waste collection services. The landfill in Youngstown, Ohio, which handles approximately 12 million pounds of trash daily from New York City and New Jersey, will be unable to process incoming loads, significantly impacting waste management operations.

According to Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien, “It’s shocking, and increasingly disgusting, how far Republic Services is willing to push its workforce. Our members are everyday Americans performing essential services across our communities, but Republic is unwilling to offer workers good wages, decent benefits, or a fair contract.” O'Brien emphasizes that the strike is driven by the company's stance, adding that Republic executives are responsible for the ongoing disruptions. “We want to return to work,” he stated, “but we refuse to be exploited.”

The strike involves more than 2,000 Teamsters, either actively on strike or showing solidarity by honoring picket lines. This has led to widespread disruptions in waste collection services across the country.

Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, insists that Republic Services needs to present a compelling offer to end the strike. “Republic Services must come to its senses and end this strike with a strong offer for our members. If they fail in this simple task, picket line extensions will continue, and garbage will accumulate in more states,” Mineros stated. He further noted that company management is delaying the resolution, which he believes will ultimately result in contracts for the workers.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with a legacy dating back to 1903, represents 1.3 million workers in North America. More details about their activities can be accessed on their official website, Teamster.org. Stay updated on social media via @Teamsters on X and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.