By a more than 6-1 margin, workers at Allied Waste in Atlanta ratified a new contract in early April that made numerous improvements that built on their first contract.

“The drivers and mechanics stood together and worked with our local union, Local 728, to win a strong contract,” said steward Dave Thomas, a front-end driver and 17-year employee of Allied Waste. “This contract addresses workers’ priorities. I want to thank Local 728 President Randy Brown, Business Agent Eric Robertson, International Representative Chuck Stiles and Local 728 attorney Jim Fagan.”

“With this contract, our members at Allied Waste now have a more secure future,” Brown said. “The contract contains much stronger language to protect the workers.”

Approximately 100 workers are covered by the contract.

The three year contract also includes: 

• An improved grievance procedure where grievances are sent to a grievance panel prior to arbitration;
• An improved bidding procedure;
• Improved seniority language;
• A 9 percent wage increase over the life of the contract;
• Hourly breakdown pay;
• Shift differential and tool allowance for mechanics;
• Union leave for union business, and
• Improved vacation and personal days.