Trash Haulers Vote in Union at Unity Disposal
Monday, March 17, 2014(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Unity Disposal workers voted to
join LiUNA Local 657 on Friday,
March 14. "The workers
stayed united despite strong employer opposition which included attempts to
divide workers based on race," reports LiUNA organizer Felix
Rodriguez. The workers struck Unity last year. "The waste haulers provide
a vital service to Montgomery and Howard County residents and yet these workers
are left in the shadows," said Rodriguez. "Many of these workers
barely make a living wage, lack affordable health insurance and are treated as
disposable. They know that their union victory is the first step to receiving
respect in the workplace." Steve Lanning, Director of Organizing
for LiUNA's Mid-Atlantic Regional Organizing Committee, also credited
"the AFL-CIO's Metro Council and all of its affiliates for their support
during this union organizing campaign," especially "TWU which had a
food drive for the Unity workers when they were striking for
recognition." photo
by Ernest Ojito/Laborers