January 18, 2020
Strike avoided as group of workers win strong contract
For the second time in the span of a week, Teamsters Local 174 has achieved a major first contract victory: a group of six workers at Recology ratified an incredibly strong agreement this morning. The group, which includes Data Quality Specialists, GIS Specialists, and Operations Analysts, voted unanimously to ratify an agreement that makes major strides towards full equality with Recology drivers, dispatchers, and other work groups that have been Local 174 members for years.
The group voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 174 in November, and then unanimously authorized a strike in January after some stonewalling by management. Ultimately, a strike was averted as Recology management returned to the negotiating table with a strong offer which was ratified today. The contract expires on March 31, 2021.
This newly-ratified agreement allows these skilled office workers to enjoy the same mature contract language as all the other Recology Teamsters in Local 174, and brings incredible improvements in wages, pension and health & welfare. These workers will receive additional vacation weeks and floating holidays, and for the first time, they will receive overtime pay after eight hours in a day as opposed to after 40 hours in a week. This all comes on top of the strong economic package involving Teamster Medical and Teamster Pension, as well as significant wage increases. Together, these improvements make this Agreement one of the richest first contracts ever negotiated by Teamsters Local 174.
“This is a historic victory, and one that perfectly demonstrates the power of worker solidarity,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “This small group of just six workers stood strong, with hundreds of their coworkers ready to help them win their fight, and it led to the incredible contract these workers will now enjoy. We are proud to have them as our members, and are excited to see how this new contract will transform their lives.”
“For years we watched our coworkers gain more and more in their Teamster contracts, and now today we can finally join in and be a part of those gains,” said Stephen Szeibert who has worked for Recology for more than eight years and served on the Bargaining Committee. “This is going to make a huge difference for us. I am proud to be a Teamster!”
Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 8,600 working men and women in Seattle and the surrounding areas. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.