Teamsters Local 952: 465 Workers Back on Picket Lines After County Offer Rejected

More than 465 employees in Orange County walked back onto the picket lines on Thursday morning. The return to strike action comes after negotiations stalled late Wednesday, interrupting services for residents who rely on county waste management and public works crews. The group includes heavy equipment operators, custodial staff, and waste workers from the OC Public Works and OC Waste & Recycling departments.

The labor dispute began in earnest on October 13 when the workers first stopped working. They returned to their jobs one week later as bargaining talks resumed. Union leaders stated they opened negotiations in 2025, approximately six months before the current contract was set to expire. They argued that the county made little progress toward an agreement until August of this year.

Eric Jimenez, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 952, said members turned down two specific proposals from the county. One offer included a 3% raise, while the second provided for a 4% increase. Neither proposal included retroactive pay. Jimenez noted that the members felt the lack of back pay was unfair because the union did not cause delays in the talks.

A county spokesperson acknowledged the employees' right to strike under California law. The official said the county would continue executing contingency plans to limit service disruptions. Union officials expect delays in landfill operations and other county services to recur while the strike is active.

Negotiators from both sides are scheduled to meet again on Thursday for another round of bargaining. The outcome of that session will determine whether the 465 workers remain on the picket line or return to their daily duties.