San Jose, Calif. – September 14, 2026 -- Over 60 drivers and mechanics at California Waste Solutions in San José have overwhelmingly ratified a new five-year labor contract, securing substantial wage increases, expanded protections for relief employees, and a ninth week of vacation time described by union officials as industry-leading.
Workers servicing 170,000 households secure long-term wage gains
The ratified agreement, negotiated by Teamsters Local 350, covers employees who provide residential recycling services to more than 170,000 households across the San José area. The five-year term locks in economic terms and revised work rules through the contract period.
Union negotiators cite strong economic improvements and new protections
Sergio Arrañaga, business agent for Local 350 and chief negotiator for the bargaining unit, said members pushed to raise standards across the waste industry amid ongoing economic pressures. Robert Sandoval, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 350, said the contract delivers strong economic improvements alongside new work protections and the added vacation week.
Local 350 represents workers across four Bay Area counties
Teamsters Local 350 represents members in the public sector and in solid waste, recycling, and linen industries across San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties.