Local 174 Sanitation Members Overwhelmingly Ratify Contract

In recognition of a tremendous settlement reached between Teamsters Local 174 and a locally owned sanitation company, the members approved a new five-year contract on March 27 by a well deserved 98 percent margin. About 150 workers are covered by the contract.

“This is an example of the difference in negotiating with locally owned and community-based companies who care about their employees as opposed to negotiating with multi-national corporations who only care about profits,” said Rick Hicks, Secretary-Treasurer and lead negotiator for the union. “Over the next five years our members at CleanScapes will reach a compensation level of more than $30 per hour, continue with our top-flight medical plans at no additional costs to the members and increase their retirement another $1.05 per hour.”

“In addition to the phenomenal economic improvements, we achieved more than 75 language improvements for our members in a contract that was already recognized as one of the best in the country,” said Patty Warren, Sr., Business Agent and co-chair of the union’s bargaining committee.

“CleanScapes, a company that services a major portion of the City of Seattle, really stepped up in my opinion,” said Ken Marshall, sanitation Business Agent and Local 174 Vice President. “As a result, they have sent a strong message to all other cities that they are serious in being a major player in this market and beyond.”

Hicks added, “This is an historic agreement that was negotiated in 11 days of bargaining, completed prior to expiration and without any threats of strike or lockout from either side. This was one of the most professional negotiations we have had in years and CleanScapes should be proud of its commitment to its employees and to the community in general.”