Teamsters Welcome Republic Workers

With a unanimous vote, 13 workers at Republic Services in Los Banos and Atwater, Calif., voted to join Local 386 in Modesto.

“The workers at the two locations are seeking fair treatment and respect,” said John Costa, Local 386 Vice President. “They also often work without breaks or lunches, and they are seeking affordable health care. Some of the workers pay more than $300 a month for health care.”

Republic sent someone from Phoenix to talk to the workers to persuade them to vote against forming a union, but the tactic failed miserably.

“We have had several organizing victories at Republic in recent months and we hope to build on this momentum so that these workers gain a more secure future,” said Bob Morales, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste, Recycling and Related Industries Division.