Drivers and mechanics at Waste Management in Carlsbad, California have voted overwhelmingly to join Local 683 in San Diego.

The election took place on July 26. There are about 80 workers in the bargaining unit.

“The workers are seeking strong Teamster representation—the company treats their people bad,” said Todd Mendez, Local 683 Secretary-Treasurer. “The supervisors bully their workers. We will work hard to negotiate a strong first contract that will help put a stop to the mistreatment that is taking place.”

Local 683 will also work to win the workers a strong pension plan, Mendez said.

The local is starting a campaign to organize about 100 workers at Waste Management in Oceanside.

“When we are done, we will represent 400 Waste Management workers at three locations in San Diego County,” Mendez said.

“We will continue to work hard to organize waste and recycling workers across the country so that they receive the fair pay, decent benefits and improved working conditions they deserve for the extremely difficult job they do,” said Bob Morales, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste, Recycling and Related Industries Division.

On July 13, Waste Management workers in El Cajon who belong to Local 683 overwhelming ratified their first contract, which provides solid pay increases and excellent benefits. The contract covers 190 workers who joined the Teamsters in March.