Press Releases
Waste Management Workers in California Vote to Join Local 683 in San Diego
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, sanitation drivers, helpers, mechanics and yard crew from El Cajon’s Waste Management facility overwhelmingly voted to join Teamsters Local 683. The vote was 144 to 37 in favor of forming their union. There are 191 workers in the bargaining unit.
Workers urgently came together at this facility due to escalating and continuous disrespect from management. In addition to abrupt and unfair changes in company policies, within the past five months management fired and/or laid off more than 20 workers. These egregious actions on behalf of Waste Management only further catapulted workers to organize and unite.
“It is with great pride that I welcome the newest members of our local,” said Todd Mendez, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 683 in San Diego. “The worker committee did phenomenally well and was the driving force in this victory. They stood strong in the face of an extremely intense union-busting campaign. I would also like to thank the Teamsters Organizing Department for their staff and imperative support on this significant campaign.”
“This win has been a long time coming for us,” said Gustavo Mitre, a 10-year employee and committee member. “Our strength and unity led us to victory and helped us overcome the company’s threats and intimidation tactics.”
The workers remained strong in the face of a strong anti-union campaign that included empty promises, captive audience meetings and threats. Waste Management also brought in workers from other locations whose sole purpose was to try to bust the union drive, intimidate workers and give false information about organizing attempts at other facilities. The company’s tactics not only failed but further angered and empowered workers.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.