#United States #Los Angeles #Republic Services #Teamsters Local 396 #EQ Environmental

Teamsters Local 396 Authorizes Strike at Republic Services

In a significant move marked by solidarity, the members of Teamsters Local 396 have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike against Republic Services. This decision comes amid growing concerns about labor conditions and the need for a fair first contract, especially for those working under EQ Environmental Services, a subsidiary of Republic Services.

Background of the Decision

On July 3, 2025, workers from EQ Environmental Services, responsible for the safe transportation of hazardous materials across Southern California, expressed their frustrations through this vote. Represented by Teamsters Local 396, these essential workers perform high-stakes jobs that ensure the safety of both their communities and the environment. Their commitment has been unwavering, but it has also been met with challenges, including low proposals and corporate resistance during negotiation periods.

Victor Mineros, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 396, addressed the urgency of the situation. He emphasized that these workers deserve a contract that recognizes their valuable contributions rather than being faced with continuous corporate stonewalling. The strike authorization vote is essentially a rallying cry for fair treatment in the workplace, reinforcing that the workers are united and ready to take action if necessary.

Rising Pressure on Republic Services

This strike authorization is part of a broader trend observed among Teamsters at Republic Services locations nationwide, indicating a growing wave of organized labor actions. Workers from various states, including Massachusetts and Illinois, are joining in solidarity. With Republic Services being the second-largest waste and recycling company in the United States, there is an increasing need for management to address workers' demands regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Teamsters Local 396 has a substantial representation of sanitation and transportation workers throughout Southern California, aligning with the greater mission of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which advocates for over 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This intersection of local and national labor movements underscores the collective struggle for better treatment in the workplace.

The Path Forward

As the strike authorization takes effect, all eyes are on the negotiations to follow. The Teamsters are prepared to negotiate in good faith with Republic Services, expecting a response that meets the workers' needs. The solidarity demonstrated by Local 396 serves as a source of inspiration not only for workers in the region but also for labor movements across various sectors.

In conclusion, Teamsters Local 396 stands firm in its commitment to demand respect and fair treatment for its workers at Republic Services. The road ahead may be challenging, but their unified front signals a clear message: they are fighting for their rights and the conditions they deserve. The labor movement continues to gain momentum, and it’s crucial for Republic Services to recognize and respond to these pressing concerns.

For further inquiries, media contacts can reach out to Adan Alvarez at Teamsters Local 396.

This article highlights labor tensions currently brewing at Republic Services as workers demand their rights and fair treatment through authorized strike actions by Teamsters Local 396.