Overview

• On July 8, Teamsters Local 439 sanitation workers began a 24/7 indefinite strike at the Forward Inc. landfill in Manteca and the Republic Services site in Stockton.
• Pickets spread to Bay Area facilities on July 9, leading to suspended waste collection in West Contra Costa County and delays in Union City, Newark and Fremont.
• Local authorities have declared emergency measures to handle growing trash backlogs and are exploring interim service options.
• Republic Services expects temporary disruptions and has reallocated resources to mitigate delays while formal contract talks have not resumed.
• Union leaders say current wage offers fall below regional standards and heavy-equipment operators receive pay comparable to fast-food workers.