News
Local 350 Members Ratify Strong Contract at Recology
Workers at Recology Golden Gate and Recology Sunset Avert Strike; Approve New Five-Year Agreement
(SAN FRANCISCO) – Nearly 500 San Francisco waste workers reached a new agreement with Recology yesterday, marking a major victory for Local 350 members after a hard-fought campaign to secure a fair contract. The five-year agreement contains substantial increases to wages and pension contributions, among other improvements.
“Overall, we are proud of this contract. We spent a lot of time listening to what everyone wanted and then we went to bat for them. We are fortunate to have come out of this without giving up any concessions and to be moving forward in a positive direction,” said Dustin McDaniel, a nine-year garbage collection driver at Recology’s Sunset location and shop steward for Local 350. “We had some really great gains—the biggest hourly pay rate that most guys had ever seen as well as major increases to our pension. Rank-and-filers felt strong going into the tail-end of negotiations, especially with the help of city supervisors, the mayor, the International and, of course, Local 350.”
On March 4, Local 350 members overwhelmingly rejected the company’s last, best and final proposal. Recology workers prepared for a possible strike, receiving the support of Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien and San Francisco Board of Supervisors Ahsha Safai, Myrna Melgar, Connie Chan, Hillary Ronen, Aaron Peskin, Rafael Mandelman and President of the Board of Supervisors Shamann Walton.
Following more than a month of mounting pressure and public support, the company worked with the union and city officials on a new proposal that would better address the workers’ concerns.
“This was a hard-fought contract, and it was the resolute determination of our members that drove it. Ultimately, our members ended up with an incredible economic package, probably the best they’ve ever had, and strong language improvements that were long overdue. I want to thank Business Representative Juan Coca for exhibiting meticulous attention to detail throughout, making sure to address every key issue,” said John Bouchard, Local 350 Secretary-Treasurer. “I’d also like to thank Joint Council 7 and all the Bay Area Teamster locals, the General President, and the Solid Waste and Recycling Division for their assistance. We relied heavily on support from the San Francisco labor community and local elected officials. Their support, along with the solidarity of our unflinching members and bargaining committee, made for a winning combination.”
The increases to the overall wage package and pension contributions were nearly 21 and 20 percent, respectively. Despite significant gains made at the bargaining table, however, Local 350 representatives noted that the narrow 201-139 ratification vote reveals Recology still has more work to do when it comes to treating workers with respect.
“I want to congratulate Local 350 members for standing strong at Recology. With the help of city officials and Local 350 leaders, these workers were able to make gains at the bargaining table that will benefit them for years to come. I want to thank General President O’Brien and Division Representative Larry Daugherty for their support during negotiations. Recology knew that the entire Teamsters Union was fully behind these workers,” said Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “The Waste Division will continue to stand with Local 350 members at Recology. The Teamsters won’t stop fighting until this company treats all its workers with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Local 350 was chartered on October 8, 1936, representing members in the Solid Waste & Recycling Division, Bakery & Laundry Division and Public Sector Division.