California's SB 1371 Empowers Union Waste Workers, Limits Loopholes

The Facts -

California's New Legislation Empowers Union Waste Workers

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

“Waste workers have one of the toughest jobs in America. Their work is made even harder by greedy employers trying to take money out of their pockets,” said Victor Mineros, Co-Chair of Teamsters California and Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division Director. “SB 1371 takes the power from billion-dollar haulers and puts it in the hands of union waste workers. On behalf of Teamsters California’s quarter-million members, thank you to every elected official who got this critical bill over the finish line.”

California waste workers now have reason to feel optimistic as a new law, SB 1371, aims to address long-standing issues between union workers and large waste management companies. This legislative measure is designed to eradicate a contractual loophole potentially exploited by employers during labor disputes.

Most agreements between waste management companies and local governments contain a “force majeure” clause which excuses companies from penalties during major disruptions such as natural disasters. However, this same clause has been used to include labor disputes, often creating an imbalance in bargaining power with unions. With SB 1371 in effect, this gap has been closed, offering more protection to the workers.

Peter Finn, Co-Chair of Teamsters California, expressed the significance of this development, stating, “This is a big day for California workers. For too long, waste companies have gotten away with making communities and unions foot the bill for employer-caused strikes. SB 1371 goes a long way toward leveling the playing field. Thank you to Senator Maria Elena Durazo and all those who worked so hard to make this bill a law.”

The influence of the Teamsters union is substantial, representing thousands of waste workers across the state. In Southern California alone, over 3,000 members of Teamsters Local 396 are negotiating new contracts with major employers such as Republic Services and Waste Management. This new law will play a crucial role in their ongoing discussions.

Mike Di Bene, a driver for Republic Services under Teamsters Local 70 for 15 years, highlighted the previous challenges faced by union workers due to the misuse of contract clauses by employers. “Waste companies always try to turn the public against workers who are forced to strike for better conditions — even when the employers cause the strike and keep getting paid for collections that aren’t happening. This is one of the worst things management does to try to hurt union waste workers like me. But thanks to SB 1371, California haulers can no longer use this abusive tactic. Now, workers have the power.”

Representing 250,000 workers across diverse fields, Teamsters California stands as a formidable voice advocating for workers’ rights. More information can be found at teamstersca.org.

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