315 News

Teamsters Local 315 members pushed for contract offers from the company guaranteeing safety and parity among workers. The 4 various contracts within Contra Cost Country included West County Resource Recovery, West Contra Costa Sanitary Landfill (Golden Bear Transfer Station), and Richmond Sanitary Services’ (RSS) separated Garbage and Recycling Division.

With guided experience of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Solid Waste Representative Carlos Borba, Business Agent David Rodriguez embarked on what would become a 6-month crusade with in juggling contract negotiations between the various worksites.  The biggest concerns voiced by members included parity with coworkers and working conditions with an emphasis on safety. The Garbage and Recycle Division at RSS bargain on two separate contracts, with the same job responsibilities and had unequal contract offers. Working conditions were a large issue due to stories from Local 315’s membership that shined light on problematic practices.

Business Agent David Rodriguez, who represents all the worksites, proudly mentioned that “members in each individual contract stood together regarding parity for each union brother and sister to have a good living wage. We had an impending strike, but with workers who continued to stand strong, we won a good contract.”