Waste Workers At Republic In South Carolina Join Local 71

On January 6, 2012, workers at Republic Services in Fort Mill, South Carolina voted to join Local 71 in Charlotte, North Carolina. There are 55 workers in the bargaining unit.

The victory is the second in the past two weeks at Republic in the South.

“It’s a great day in South Carolina. These drivers are to be commended for standing up for their American rights in a work-at-will state and one of the most anti-union states in the union,” said Ted Russell, Local 71 President. “We appreciate the Solid Waste Division’s Bob Morales, Chuck Stiles and John Mahoney for their assistance, and Local 728 in Atlanta—Organizer Ben Speight and the Republic drivers at their newly organized location who helped out.”

Workers remained united in their fight for a strong voice.

“No one should ever underestimate the resolve of people who are willing to come together and conquer a giant that at one time seemed unconquerable,” driver Rayford Harris Sr. said.

“The drivers are sick and tired of being sick and tired of having to work at-will with no respect, no job security or job protections,” said Randy Conrad, Local 71’s organizer.

“Congratulations to the workers at Republic at Fort Mill, who stood together throughout this campaign,” said Bob Morales, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste, Recycling and Related Industries Division. “Now, the workers will move forward to win the respect they deserve.”

The unit is made up of roll-off, front-load, residential and recycling-container drivers.

“The workers are seeking respect, an end to favoritism, fair work rules, fair wages and more affordable health care,” said Chuck Stiles, assistant director of the Solid Waste Division. “Respect is a huge issue for them.”