Workers employed at Republic Services in Los Angeles County won significant wage, pension, and healthcare increases after ratifying an industry-leading Union contract that continues Teamsters Local 396’s record of increased wages and benefits in the Southern California Sanitation industry.
Sanitation workers at Republic Services are among the essential heroes who have worked hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This group of workers serves major cities throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Compton, Whittier, and Alhambra.
Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 396 stated, “Our members at Republic Services stood strong and won major wage and benefit increases that will continue to lift standards in an industry that has historically exploited a workforce composed primarily of immigrants and people of color. Our members have truly demonstrated the courage and determination that defines what it means to be a Teamster.”
This tremendous victory was won thanks to the courage and dedication of Teamster sanitation workers at Republic Services, who stood shoulder to shoulder-in solidarity throughout the bargaining process. “It was a tough fight, but we stood strong as Teamsters do. I am proud of this agreement that will continue to lift standards for future generations,” said Ralph Moran, a Commercial Driver at Republic Services, Sun Valley. Marcus Ford, a driver at Republic Services Gardena, stated, “As a veteran Teamster sanitation worker, I can truly say that this is the best contract we have won to date. Blood, sweat, and tears went into this fight, but today, we hold our heads up proudly with this victory.”
Some key highlights of this contract include the largest wage increases ever achieved with Teamster employers in the Southern California sanitation industry, significant increases into the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension, and improved healthcare benefits with major savings for workers.
Teamsters Local 396 currently represents over 3,000 sanitation workers throughout Southern California. It is the largest Teamster Sanitation Local in the U.S. Our Sanitation members serve communities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.