August 24, 2018

New Agreement makes huge strides in improving way of life for ReNu truck drivers

After just their second journey through the contract negotiations process, a group of 21 Teamsters Local 174 members at ReNu Recycling Services ratified an exceptionally strong new 3-year agreement this past weekend. This group of truck drivers – who provide containers for construction and demolition debris – voted in 2014 to join Teamsters Local 174, and achieved their first Teamster contract in 2015. This newly-ratified agreement builds upon the strong foundation laid by that first contract.

The agreement includes a long list of important improvements: meaningful wage increases, major pension increases, full maintenance of benefits on Teamster healthcare, weekend overtime, night shift differential, expanded paid vacation language, and two additional holidays. All of these improvements together will make for a much better work experience for these 3-year Teamster members.

“When we joined the union, everything changed overnight – especially when we signed that first contract,” said Gary Shepard, a 10-year ReNu employee and member of the rank-and-file bargaining committee. “Now this contract – everything has just been getting better. Morale is going up quite a bit.”

“We are so proud of these ReNu drivers for their commitment to improving their own futures,” said Teamsters Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Hicks. “From organizing drive to first contract and now to second contract, they never wavered. There’s a lot in this agreement to be happy about, and these guys earned it through hard work and solidarity.”

Founded in 1909, Teamsters Local 174 represents 7,200 working men and women in the Seattle area. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamstersLocal174.