(SANTA ROSA, Calif.) – Solid waste and recycling workers throughout Sonoma County have voted to join Teamsters Local 665. An overwhelming majority of the almost 400 drivers, mechanics, customer service representatives and other workers voted to join the union on Friday.

“Congratulations to all of the workers and everyone that was involved in this election,” said Local 665 Secretary-Treasurer Mark Gleason. “When workers join the Teamsters they see improvements in their wages, benefits and working conditions. We’re excited to welcome them as members.”

The election is the culmination of more than 20 years of attempts to bring waste and recycling workers in Sonoma County into the Teamsters. This was the final remaining major nonunion group in this industry in all of Northern California. The cities of Santa Rosa and Windsor are engaged in a competitive bidding process for these services and the workers will likely be working under new management in June.

Patricio Estupiñon has been working as a driver in Sonoma County for almost 25 years. He said that he’s looking forward to the improvements in wages, benefits and retirement security that come with a Teamster contract.

“I feel very proud to finally join the Teamsters union,” Estupiñon said. “This is something that will benefit not only the workers, but also our families and the community at large.” 

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 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.

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