Michigan Solid Waste Workers Join Locals 332, 339

Michigan Solid Waste Workers Join Locals 332, 339

Respect, Health Coverage, Wages Top List of Concerns

December 20, 2004

On December 20, workers at a Michigan solid waste hauling company voted by more than a 2-1 margin to join Local 332 and 339.

The drivers, loaders, jumpers and shop mechanics at Richfield Management LLC’s three locations voted 49-23 to join the Teamsters. There are a total of 82 workers at the three locations.

Workers are seeking respect and fair treatment at work, more affordable health-insurance coverage and competitive pay, noted Marian Novak, an organizer with Joint Council 43 in Detroit.

Workers at Richfield’s Bad Axe and Port Huron centers will become members of Local 339 in Port Huron, while workers at the Flint center will join Local 332 in Flint.

Novak assisted Local 339 President Ron Hreha and Local 339 business agent Dale Taylor, and Local 332 business agent Rick Hodgeson, with the 2.5-month organizing campaign.