Press Releases
Oregon Teamsters Ratify New Agreement at Recology Organics
Contract Provides Workers with Wage Increases, Excellent Health Care, and Pension
(AUMSVILLE, Ore.) — Teamsters Local 324 members recently ratified a first agreement at Recology Organics in Aumsville, Ore. The four-year contract contains significant wages increases, excellent health care, and entry into the Western Conference of Teamsters (WCT) Pension Plan.
“These workers were underpaid and lacked competitive benefits; the new contract now gives them an average wage increase of more than 20 percent, entry into the Teamster pension fund, and full employer-paid maintenance of benefits for health and welfare, among other benefits and improvements,” said Chris R. Muhs, Local 324 Secretary-Treasurer. “This was a hard-fought contract, but we had incredible help from the Teamsters Solid Waste Division, especially Division Director Chuck Stiles and Representative Larry Daugherty.”
The bargaining committee began negotiations on March 21, and after five months, reached a fully recommended offer. Workers ratified the agreement on August 2. The six-worker unit is the second organized group of workers at the company in the state, both represented by Local 324.
“The employees came to us in September and unanimously signed cards seeking recognition for representation. After the election, Local 324 filed an unfair labor practice (ULP) charge against the company after management refused to give the employees their regular annual bonuses and raises, as they have historically done. This charge helped us maintain leverage on the company during negotiations,” said Randy Meadors, Local 324 Business Agent.
Muhs and Meadors were joined at the bargaining table by union shop steward Tim Rice, who played an active role representing his co-workers throughout negotiations.
“Just nine months ago, morale was lower than our wages. And yet, our employer still made profit every week. My co-workers kept asking for wage and benefit increases, but the company continued to deny us. Ultimately, we decided to have a meeting one night after work and that led to our call to Chris and Randy at Local 324. Fast forward to today, after five bargaining sessions, we now have great wages, 100 percent company-paid healthcare, and a Teamster pension,” Rice said. “We are all now excited and motivated Teamster brothers and sisters.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 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 “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.