Trash Haulers Vote in Union at Unity Disposal

(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