Los Angeles – October 29, 2026 -- A group of 700 Waste Management workers in Los Angeles and Orange counties has ratified a new collective bargaining agreement with the company, Teamsters Local 396 reported.
Republic Services deal for 1,900 Teamsters preceded the Waste Management vote
The Waste Management ratification follows a contract ratified shortly before by 1,900 Republic Services Teamsters, also represented by Local 396. Together, the two agreements cover 2,600 sanitation workers in Southern California.
Victor Mineros, Local 396 Secretary-Treasurer and Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, said the union is not finished, adding that "the job's not done yet." He said Local 396 is working to secure agreements at other area haulers that are just as strong.
Bargaining continues at four regional haulers
Local 396 is negotiating new contracts for hundreds of workers at WARE Disposal, Athens Services, CR&R and Park Disposal.
Luis Isordia, a Waste Management relief driver, said the company has substantial financial resources and the deal did not come easily. He described the outcome as a contract that gives workers respect on and off the clock.
Waste Management posted $25.2 billion in revenue last year
The Teamsters describe Waste Management as the largest sanitation corporation in the United States, with $25.2 billion in revenue last year. The union represents thousands of Waste Management workers nationwide.