About 700 waste management workers serving Orange County and Los Angeles counties have ratified a new contract, Teamsters Local 396 announced Monday. The agreement directly affects the provision of waste collection services for residents and businesses across the affected areas, including Irvine.
This new contract for Waste Management employees follows the ratification of a separate agreement involving approximately 1,900 Republic Services workers, also represented by Teamsters Local 396. The two agreements cover a substantial portion of the region's waste service labor force.
Victor Mineros, who serves as the Local 396 secretary-treasurer and director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, attributed the success to the workers. Mineros stated that the "engagement and energy" of rank-and-file Teamsters were "key to securing such a strong contract."
Luis Isordia, a relief driver for Waste Management, commented on the negotiation process. Isordia noted that "this win did not come easily," describing Waste Management as "a massive corporation" with resources it tried to use to "weaken us and our union." He emphasized that "our employer’s money was no match for Teamsters solidarity," expressing pride in his co-workers for achieving a deal that grants them "respect both on and off the clock."
Waste Management reported $25.2 billion in revenue last year, according to information provided by the Teamsters. The union noted that it represents thousands of Waste Management workers across the nation.
Beyond these local agreements, the broader Teamsters union represents 1.3 million workers throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. These negotiations are part of wider efforts to secure contracts for various employee groups.
In a separate but related development, Teamsters Joint Council 42 has been engaged in negotiations with Orange County directly concerning waste and public works employees. This parallel process addresses labor agreements for county-employed staff involved in maintaining public infrastructure and services.
On October 23, Orange County supervisors conducted a special closed-door meeting to review proposals submitted through a mediator for this county-level contract. However, no announcement regarding the outcome of these discussions was made following the meeting.
Prior to the supervisory review, the union had temporarily suspended picketing activities. This pause was implemented to ensure that waste haulers could access county landfills without encountering picket lines, allowing for continued disposal services. The Teamsters were anticipated to hold a vote on the proposals presented for the Orange County employees' contract.
The ratification of the Waste Management contract provides stability for waste collection services in Irvine and the broader Orange County area. Residents can expect services to continue under the terms of the new agreement. The status of the ongoing negotiations between Teamsters Joint Council 42 and Orange County remains to be seen, with a union vote expected on the proposals. This second negotiation could affect other county services impacting Irvine residents.
