Drivers and mechanics at Waste Management in Carlsbad, California, who voted to join Teamsters Local 683 in San Diego, have ratified their first contract.

In late October, the workers overwhelmingly ratified the five-year contract, despite rumors circulated by the company that workers would never be able to vote on a contract. The contract covers about 80 workers.

“The contract contains many gains, and even the workers who did not support voting to become Teamsters ratified the contract because it was so strong,” said Todd Mendez, Local 683 Secretary-Treasurer. “For a long time, the workers sought a strong voice, dignity and respect at work, and this contract provides that.”

The contract gains include:

• Solid wage increases;

• A health care plan with no deductible;

• Enrollment in the Western Conference of Teamsters (WCT) Pension Plan;

• Very strong language curtailing the company’s ability to discipline, suspend or terminate workers randomly.

On July 13, Waste Management workers in El Cajon who belong to Local 683 overwhelming ratified their first contract, which provides solid pay increases and excellent benefits. The contract covers 190 workers who joined the Teamsters in March.

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