Southern California Sanitation Strike Risk Grows After Contract Expiration

The expired agreements impact employees at Republic Services, Waste Management, Athens Services, CR&R, WARE Disposal, Park Disposal, and AAA Disposal. Represented by Teamsters Local 396, the workforce spans Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396, stated that companies had months to finalize terms that reflect the essential nature of the work but failed to do so despite union readiness.

Workers have spent months mobilizing through rallies and yard meetings to demand improved compensation, benefits, and workplace protections. While the union remains at the bargaining table, the lack of a deal has heightened tensions. Local 396 President Alex Moran emphasized that the responsibility to prevent service interruptions now lies entirely with the employers, urging them to negotiate seriously to avoid a broader conflict. Sanitation crews continue to perform daily operations, but the atmosphere remains volatile as the union prepares for potential escalation.