Teamsters, Republic agree to new contract in Mobile, Alabama

Teamsters Local No. 991 members have reached a new agreement with Phoenix-based Republic Services in Mobile, Alabama. 

The three-year contract was unanimously ratified by the membership and is the richest contract ever negotiated by the group of 22 workers, Teamsters says

“This agreement is a testament to our dedication to the job and our union,” says Eugene Rider, a commercial frontload driver who has worked at Republic Services for 37 years. “We are beyond pleased with the contract—it’s the best one we’ve ever negotiated.”

Republic Services Director of External Affairs Roman Blahoski says the deal will enable the company to continue providing excellence for Mobile residents.

“Republic Services has reached an agreement with Teamsters Local 991 that is fair for our valued employees in Mobile and our company,” he says.

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In addition to major wage increases, Teamsters Local No. 991 members also will receive reductions in health and welfare costs, increases in their bonuses and time-and-a-half pay for working holidays.

“Our members have made major gains in this agreement. It’s the biggest wage increase we’ve negotiated since the unit’s first contract in 2005. We also cleaned up a lot of contract language to better protect workers,” Local No. 991 Secretary-Treasurer Lavon Lindsey says. “The division was instrumental in getting this deal. I want to thank [Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division] Director Chuck Stiles and Representative Larry Dougherty for being with us every step of the way. They both came here to help out in negotiations and were always there for us with anything we needed. I also want to tip my hat to the entire committee for their commitment to getting the strongest agreement possible.”

Republic Services is the second-largest trash collection and landfill company in the United States. The Teamsters represent more than 7,000 workers at the company throughout the country.

“Local 991 members have secured an excellent contract that reflects the immeasurable service they provide to the community,” Stiles says. “I’ve known this group for years and have seen their dedication firsthand. I want to congratulate them and everybody at Local 991 for standing together to negotiate such an incredibly strong contract.”