San Carlos, CA – April 4, 2025: In a resounding victory for workers, Teamsters Local 350 has successfully negotiated the most lucrative contract in the history of South Bayside Industries’ Facilities Operations Unit. On March 25, 2025, the bargaining unit, comprising 49 members, voted unanimously to ratify a new five-year agreement, securing unprecedented wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced worker protections.
The Facilities Operations Unit at the Shoreway Environmental Center is responsible for processing trash, recycling, and compost collected from the general public and private haulers. This essential workforce, which includes loader operators, spotters, equipment operators, mechanics, PM technicians, weighmasters, PRC attendants, and sorters, ensures the facility runs efficiently. Under the new contract, their contributions are recognized with significant improvements, including the largest wage increases ever seen upfront and throughout the duration of the agreement. Additionally, the contract introduces Juneteenth as a 13th paid holiday, provides a 9th week of vacation, strengthens worker protections, and clarifies operational processes to enhance efficiency.
The negotiations were led by a dedicated bargaining committee consisting of President Robert Sandoval, Shop Steward Joey Gomes, who has nearly 40 years with the company, and Shop Steward Michael Salazares, a veteran employee since 2011.
President Sandoval emphasized the importance of the workforce and the collaborative spirit of the negotiations, stating, “The material that comes into this facility does not move unless my members move it. This facility does not operate without my members’ skilled and essential labor. That said, I am pleased that this ownership continues to see the worth of its workforce and, together, was able to collaboratively work to get a deal done that the membership would approve.”
Sandoval emphasized, “This serves as a compelling example for corporations: when both parties prioritize employee well-being, engage in constructive dialogue rather than conflict, and recognize workers as valued individuals rather than mere numbers, collective bargaining, and the overall work environment prosper. I look forward to further strengthening this partnership.”
Gomes, a seasoned Teamster with two decades of bargaining experience, added, “First of all, I would like to thank Secretary-Treasurer John Bouchard and President Robert Sandoval for all their hard work negotiating our new contract! It was great being on the committee alongside Michael Salazares. This is the most lucrative contract I have ever been a part of. We secured everything the membership asked for—and more. Between wages, pensions, and, most importantly, medical insurance for our loved ones, this agreement delivers. A 100% yes vote speaks for itself!”
Reflecting on the process, Salazares stated, “My first experience with the ratification process was smooth and well-coordinated. The committee demonstrated exceptional diligence and transparency, always keeping our members’ needs in mind. This contract stands out for its achievements in securing wage increases, enhancing pension benefits, and improving flexibility for time off. The experience has been both enlightening and encouraging, and I am optimistic about the positive impact this contract will have moving forward.”
This contract victory underscores the power of collective bargaining and the strength of unity within Teamsters Local 350. The agreement not only sets a new standard for wages, benefits, and working conditions but also reaffirms the essential contributions of waste and recycling workers to their communities. With this historic agreement in place, Teamsters Local 350 continues to advocate for its members, ensuring they receive the dignity, respect, and compensation they deserve.
Chartered on October 8, 1936, Teamsters Local 350 represents members throughout San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties who work in the public sector, the solid waste and recycling industry, the laundry industry, and other various trades.
Teamsters Local 350 Secures Historic Contract Victory at South Bayside Industries 4/4/25
San Carlos, CA – April 4, 2025: In a resounding victory for workers, Teamsters Local 350 has successfully negotiated the most lucrative contract in the history of South Bayside Industries’ Facilities Operations Unit. On March 25, 2025, the bargaining unit, comprising 49 members, voted unanimously to ratify a new five-year agreement, securing unprecedented wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced worker protections.
The Facilities Operations Unit at the Shoreway Environmental Center is responsible for processing trash, recycling, and compost collected from the general public and private haulers. This essential workforce, which includes loader operators, spotters, equipment operators, mechanics, PM technicians, weighmasters, PRC attendants, and sorters, ensures the facility runs efficiently. Under the new contract, their contributions are recognized with significant improvements, including the largest wage increases ever seen upfront and throughout the duration of the agreement. Additionally, the contract introduces Juneteenth as a 13th paid holiday, provides a 9th week of vacation, strengthens worker protections, and clarifies operational processes to enhance efficiency.
The negotiations were led by a dedicated bargaining committee consisting of President Robert Sandoval, Shop Steward Joey Gomes, who has nearly 40 years with the company, and Shop Steward Michael Salazares, a veteran employee since 2011.
President Sandoval emphasized the importance of the workforce and the collaborative spirit of the negotiations, stating, “The material that comes into this facility does not move unless my members move it. This facility does not operate without my members’ skilled and essential labor. That said, I am pleased that this ownership continues to see the worth of its workforce and, together, was able to collaboratively work to get a deal done that the membership would approve.”
Sandoval emphasized, “This serves as a compelling example for corporations: when both parties prioritize employee well-being, engage in constructive dialogue rather than conflict, and recognize workers as valued individuals rather than mere numbers, collective bargaining, and the overall work environment prosper. I look forward to further strengthening this partnership.”
Gomes, a seasoned Teamster with two decades of bargaining experience, added, “First of all, I would like to thank Secretary-Treasurer John Bouchard and President Robert Sandoval for all their hard work negotiating our new contract! It was great being on the committee alongside Michael Salazares. This is the most lucrative contract I have ever been a part of. We secured everything the membership asked for—and more. Between wages, pensions, and, most importantly, medical insurance for our loved ones, this agreement delivers. A 100% yes vote speaks for itself!”
Reflecting on the process, Salazares stated, “My first experience with the ratification process was smooth and well-coordinated. The committee demonstrated exceptional diligence and transparency, always keeping our members’ needs in mind. This contract stands out for its achievements in securing wage increases, enhancing pension benefits, and improving flexibility for time off. The experience has been both enlightening and encouraging, and I am optimistic about the positive impact this contract will have moving forward.”
This contract victory underscores the power of collective bargaining and the strength of unity within Teamsters Local 350. The agreement not only sets a new standard for wages, benefits, and working conditions but also reaffirms the essential contributions of waste and recycling workers to their communities. With this historic agreement in place, Teamsters Local 350 continues to advocate for its members, ensuring they receive the dignity, respect, and compensation they deserve.
Chartered on October 8, 1936, Teamsters Local 350 represents members throughout San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties who work in the public sector, the solid waste and recycling industry, the laundry industry, and other various trades.
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