First Waste Workers in Sacramento Join Teamsters Local 150

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) – Waste Management workers in Sacramento, Calif., have voted to join Teamsters Local 150. The 69 drivers, mechanics, and welders overcame a vicious union-busting campaign to secure strong Teamsters representation.

“This win was a long time coming, and it did not come easy. Waste Management went to desperate lengths trying to stop us from unionizing — everything from forcing us to attend captive audience meetings to spending huge amounts of money on union busters,” said Francisco Covarrubias, a seven-year Waste Management worker and proud new Teamster. “Waste Management’s aggression only made it clearer why we need a strong union in our corner. Now that we’re Teamsters, we can finally start working to negotiate a first contract that forces management to treat us with respect.”

The new Teamsters provide waste collection services throughout the capital of California. They are the first waste workers in the city of Sacramento to join the Teamsters.

“Local 150 is very proud of our new brothers and sisters for driving this victory. Waste Management was ruthless in trying to block them from becoming Teamsters. But the company’s union busting only made these workers stronger,” said Dale Wentz, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 150. “This is Local 150’s first waste organizing win in the City of Sacramento. We look forward to continuing to expand our reach throughout the city using the playbook these workers courageously wrote.”

Waste Management is the largest solid waste and recycling company in North America. Last year, the company’s workers generated $25 billion in revenue. The Teamsters Union proudly represents thousands of Waste Management workers across the country.

Teamsters Local 150 represents approximately 9,000 members across Northern California, primarily in Sacramento. For more information, go to teamsters150.org.

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