On August 9 and 10, workers with Republic Services/Allied Waste in the Youngstown, Ohio area overwhelmingly ratified new contracts that keep them in a Teamster pension fund, provide pay increases and other improvements.

On August 9, the workers—members of Local 377 in Youngstown—ratified a contract that covers 22 landfill workers. Then, on August 10, workers ratified a contract that covers 40 residential drivers and a separate contract that covers 45 commercial drivers and mechanics.

“The contracts keep them in a Teamster defined benefit pension plan instead of the company’s 401(k) plan,” said Sam Cook, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 377. “They also get a $2,500 signing bonus followed by a 2-percent wage increase in the second, third and fourth years and a 2.5-percent increase in the fifth and final year.”

The company also agreed to pay more toward the workers’ health care coverage. Also, language regarding discipline was strengthened to help workers have more rights.

The contract victories come after Local 377 joined other locals from across the country to stand up to the company’s attempt to move the workers into a 401(k) plan, putting their retirement security at risk. The company’s actions and other incidents across the country triggered strikes and support pickets by dozens of local unions at locations nationwide.

“Our Republic members stood together during difficult times leading up to this point and now we are winning strong contracts,” said Bob Morales, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste, Recycling and Related Industries Division. “We will continue to organize and negotiate the strongest contracts for our members.”

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