Teamsters Pledge to Continue Organizing Recycling Workers at Republic
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Workers that were fired from the recycling center at Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) shared their experiences with supporters from the community and labor movement during a press conference and rally today at City Hall coordinated by a coalition of local activists who are outraged with the company's anti-worker behavior. Twenty-nine workers, who are all Hispanic, were fired over the course of the past two weeks for attempting to organize with the Teamsters.
The recycling workers spoke passionately about their desire to gain a voice in the workplace, citing extremely hot, dusty and dirty conditions without adequate ventilation and cooling. Some workers reported working in areas without any fans. The unacceptable working conditions were just one of the primary issues that prompted the workers to seek union representation. Many workers want to see an end of favoritism and discrimination in the workplace.
"Republic fired these workers to intimidate their coworkers and discourage them from seeking union representation," said Kevin Hardison, President of Teamsters Local 631. "It is shameless union-busting and we are not going to let the company bully these workers around."
The firings occurred shortly after representatives from Republic observed and photographed a Teamster organizer speaking with some of the workers outside the recycling center.
"It is a worker's right to seek union representation," said Robert Morales, Director of Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. "We will not allow Republic's actions to go unanswered and stand ready to continue to help these recycling workers become Teamsters."
Teamsters Local 631 represents more than 1,200 workers at Republic including drivers, operators, mechanics and paint and body shop workers. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
SOURCE Teamsters Local 631
