On July 17, Recycling workers who process materials collected from residents in Oakland and other East Bay cities will protested in front of Waste Management’s corporate headquarters at 172 98th Avenue in Oakland, CA.
Workers said they are frustrated because Waste Management has been violating federal labor laws and treating workers disrespectfully. Last month, federal officials filed a formal complaint against Waste Management for violating federal labor laws.
Last year, Waste Management was charged by Cal-OSHA with violating safety rules that led to the death of a worker. After being formally cited by Cal-OSHA with serious safety violations, Waste Management refused to pay any fines or take responsibility for causing the workers’ death.
Waste Management enjoys a lucrative contract with the City of Oakland that is up for reconsideration by the City Council. The company reported profits last year in excess of $800 million dollars, but has refused to improve pay for their workforce of low-wage recycling workers – most of whom earn $12.67 or less per hour. Recycling workers in San Francisco and San Jose who do the same work are paid $20 per hour – enough to support families and escape poverty
Coverage of the demonstration by Univision is embedded below.