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Recology South Valley Drivers & Mechanics Ratify Historic Five-Year Deal!

On September 1, 2022, the bargaining unit consisting of 75 members, gave clear directions to the Local Union during its proposal meeting that they wanted to close the wage gap between themselves and the surrounding companies in the South Bay region. On April 13th, 2023, the Recology South Valley Drivers and Mechanics unit in Gilroy, CA, held their contract ratification vote with near unanimous approval and one dissenting vote resulting in a historic agreement for the membership.

Despite facing a challenging economic climate, the members stood together and demanded equality with their union siblings in North Santa Clara County. They were unwavering in their determination to defy the status quo treatment from their employers. The bargaining committee and the members were able to obtain the necessary wages and pension benefits that would raise them to the area standard and keep them on par with their counterparts.

Bargaining committee member, and newly elected shop steward, Donny Gooding said, “The Union held strong, and without them, we wouldn’t have got close to what we wanted. It’s a blessing to have them have our backs. Additionally, bargaining committee member and shop steward Isaac Beltran stated, “With our unit’s leadership, determination, and unity, we were able to accomplish the long overdue goals in our area!”

The newly ratified contract includes full maintenance of benefits and an impressive economic package with enhanced worker protection language. Teamsters Local 350 President and lead negotiator Sergio Arranaga praised the members for their resolute demand for equality and the bargaining committee members’ invaluable contributions to the successful outcome. “Our rally cry echoed loudly and persistently until it was answered,” President Arranaga stated. “Brothers Isaac Beltran and Donny Gooding deserve special recognition as key contributors who provided valuable institutional knowledge essential to the successful negotiation outcome.”

Secretary-Treasurer John Bouchard stressed the importance of unity and bringing everyone up to parity in the Union. He stated, “Recology South Valley’s successful contract ratification vote is a testament to the power of unity and solidarity. We are proud to have fought alongside these members to achieve a historic contract that raises the bar for all workers in the region and propels them into a more economically prosperous position moving forward."

Teamsters Local 350 was chartered on October 8, 1936, and proudly represents members in the Solid Waste & Recycling Industry, Bakery & Laundry Division, and Public Sector Division in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and San Benito Counties.