Teamsters ratify ‘impressive’ Waste Management contract

The following is from the Teamsters:

TUKWILA, Wash. (March 7, 2024) — More than 640 workers collectively represented by Teamsters Locals 117, 174 and 231 have overwhelmingly ratified a new jointly negotiated collective bargaining agreement with Waste Management. The agreement, ratified by an impressive 99 percent margin, covers drivers, mechanics, and washers across Skagit and King counties.

“There was a time when Waste Management Teamsters from Locals 231, 117, and 174 negotiated separately instead of working together as one team. I am pleased to announce that those days are now over,” said Rick Hicks, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 174. “Our combined group presented a united front that ensured the balance of power was in our favor, not Waste Management’s. This spirit of cooperation and collaboration carried us across the finish line, leading to one of the most impressive union contracts I’ve ever been a part of.”

“We entered these joint negotiations with the goal of leveling the playing field for Waste Management Teamsters, and thanks to the solidarity of our three locals, we were able to achieve just that,” said Rich Ewing, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 231. “We are excited not just for our members but also the Local 117 members who are finally going to be included in this collaborative agreement, which increased our bargaining power and will continue to pay dividends into the future.”

The jointly negotiated contract provides some of the largest immediate wage increases ever negotiated by Teamsters at Waste Management. The contract also includes strong pension increases, maintenance of top-tier health care benefits, enhanced paid time-off policies, and Veterans Day as a paid holiday.

“Teamsters in the solid waste industry perform essential, physically demanding work that protects the public health and our environment,” said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 117. “This historic, multi-local agreement proves that solidarity and a coordinated effort in bargaining can result in great wages, excellent health care, and meaningful retirement security for our members.”

“In bargaining, the solidarity was incredible. It felt like we were unstoppable,” said Matthew Lim, a 15-year driver and a member of Local 117. “Cover to cover, this is the best contract I’ve ever seen. It provides stability and protection in every important aspect of our lives – health care, wages, pension, and working conditions. It has life-changing improvements for all of us.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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