Orange County requests labor board intervention to prevent Teamsters strike.

Orange County officials have requested intervention from the California Public Employment Relations Board to suspend a strike by Teamsters Local 952, which commenced on October 13. This action follows claims by the county that the union utilized unlawful picketing methods during the labor dispute involving over 465 workers from OC Public Works, OC Waste & Recycling, and OC Community Resources.

The dispute arose after months of unsuccessful negotiations between the union and county representatives. In a formal complaint submitted on Monday, the county argued that the Teamsters failed to adequately notify them of the strike, thereby preventing the county from enacting contingency measures. Additionally, county officials allege that union picketers obstructed vehicle access to three key landfills, creating unsafe conditions. According to the complaint, incidents where union members were injured reflect the potential hazards prompted by the picketing activities, which reportedly led to two union members being struck by vehicles due to their presence in traffic lanes.

County officials stated in their complaint that they presented a “last, best and final offer” to the Teamsters on the day the strike began, but claimed there has been no subsequent communication from the union regarding this proposal. In contrast, union leaders assert that they have acted within their legal rights, maintaining a peaceful presence while cooperating with law enforcement.

This not the first regulatory interaction between the two parties: in late September, the Teamsters lodged an unfair labor practice complaint against the county, accusing it of failing to engage in good faith negotiations. The Public Employment Relations Board ruled in the union’s favor on October 6. In light of ongoing tensions, the union indicates plans to file further charges related to the county’s bargaining practices and alleged intimidation of striking employees.

The strike has already had significant impacts on waste management operations in the area. According to reports, daily trash collection at the Bowerman facility has plummeted from approximately 8,000 tons to between 1,200 and 2,000 tons. In response to the labor disruption, the city of Orange has advised residents and businesses to expect delays in waste collection services throughout the week.

The contract that the Teamsters maintained with the county expired on June 25, with negotiations reportedly commencing in December. Union representatives have expressed frustration that the county did not significantly engage in discussions until several months later, and they previously rejected a one-year offer from the county that included a 3% pay raise without retroactive compensation, deeming it inadequate given their contributions.

As the situation unfolds, the county and union continue to remain at an impasse, with potential ramifications for local waste management services and worker rights in the region.