Recology workers win historic contract

Double-digit wage increases, improved pension contributions and more secured in collective bargaining agreement

TUKWILA, WA (May 15, 2026) — Nearly 400 Recology workers gathered at the end of April to ratify a contract described as “record-breaking,” with significant gains in wages and benefit improvements. Over 95% of the workers voted to approve the contract after a packed-room discussion at the Teamsters hall in Tukwila.

“All of us here at Recology are proud to have taken part in negotiating such a strong contract. This agreement is going to make it so much easier to get by,” said Tim Simpson, a Recology worker and devoted member of Local 174. “Our entire unit was ready to do whatever it took to get a fair agreement that reflects and rewards our hard work. Our success is all thanks to the involvement of our brothers and sisters, the commitment of our rank-and-file negotiating committee, and our close coordination with Local 174.”

Recology workers meet to ratify their contract. Photo: Teamsters 174

The contract locks in significant gains, including wage increases of 16% in the first year for most of the workers and 43% increases over five years, an industry-high, per Local 174. Workers will receive double-time pay to work more than ten hours per day, and for the first time, triple-time pay after thirteen hours. The contract also provides for a significant increase in employer contributions to the workers’ pensions, rising to five dollars per hour over the course of the five year contract.

Beyond economics, the contract greatly expands rights at work. From Teamsters Local 174:

“Some of the highlights to the language upgrades included greater seniority rights, job bidding procedures, paid days off for inclement weather, greater protections for accidents while operating in inclement weather situations, payroll error penalty pay, bargaining unit work protections with penalty pay for violations, greater discipline protections, and stronger layoff and recall language, among others improvements.”

All told, the new contract includes over 90 improvements, per the union.

“This is one of the best contracts this local union has ever produced and is the direct result of the members trusting in their rank & file committee and the leadership, as well as the plan and process that was outlined for this successful campaign. This employer knew the members were willing to put up a fight to get the deal they have earned and deserved,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “Every single person who helped negotiate this agreement deserves all the accolades as their relentlessness and tenacity got us over the finish line, and produced a contract that this group was proud to ratify.”