TEAMSTERS CALIFORNIA-BACKED WASTE BILL BECOMES LAW

New Law Will Protect Union Waste Workers, Hold Corporations Accountable

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Teamsters applaud California lawmakers for passing and signing into law Senate Bill 1371 (SB 1371). Authored by Sen. María Elena Durazo, SB 1371 will safeguard sanitation workers, keep California communities clean, and hold irresponsible waste haulers accountable for prolonging work stoppages.

"Waste workers have one of the toughest jobs in America. Their work is made even harder by greedy employers trying to take money out of their pockets," said Victor Mineros, Co-Chair of Teamsters California and Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division Director. "SB 1371 takes the power from billion-dollar haulers and puts it in the hands of union waste workers. On behalf of Teamsters California's quarter-million members, thank you to every elected official who got this critical bill over the finish line."

Contracts between waste companies and municipalities typically have a "force majeure" clause. This shields the company from being penalized for failing to fulfill its contractual obligations during major disruptions like natural disasters. But to undermine unions and workers, companies often include labor disputes as a qualifying force majeure disruption. SB 1371 closes this loophole.

"This is a big day for California workers. For too long, waste companies have gotten away with making communities and unions foot the bill for employer-caused strikes," said Peter Finn, Co-Chair of Teamsters California. "SB 1371 goes a long way toward leveling the playing field. Thank you to Senator Maria Elena Durazo and all those who worked so hard to make this bill a law."

The Teamsters represent thousands of waste workers throughout California. Over 3,000 of them across Southern California represented by Teamsters Local 396 are currently bargaining new contracts with major employers including Republic Services and Waste Management.

"Waste companies always try to turn the public against workers who are forced to strike for better conditions — even when the employers cause the strike and keep getting paid for collections that aren't happening," said Mike Di Bene, a 15-year Republic Services driver represented by Teamsters Local 70. "This is one of the worst things management does to try to hurt union waste workers like me. But thanks to SB 1371, California haulers can no longer use this abusive tactic. Now, workers have the power."

Teamsters California is the united voice of 250,000 workers across dozens of industries who power the state's economy and communities every single day. For more information, go to teamstersca.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Lena Melentijevic
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SOURCE Teamsters California