De Blasio Commercial Sanitation Reforms a Big Win for Workers
Teamsters Sanitation Union Leaders Cheer “Zoned-Collection” Plan
NEW YORK, NY – Today, the de Blasio administration announced sweeping reforms to New York’s commercial sanitation industry. The plan will create commercial waste zones throughout the city, each served by a private sanitation company that will be held to strict environmental and labor standards.
Teamsters Union officials, who represent thousands of sanitation workers in New York City, at private companies and at the Department of Sanitation, praised the mayor’s plan. Teamsters Local 813 represents private sanitation workers, while Teamsters Local 831, also known as the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association, represents sanitation workers at the New York City Department of Sanitation.
“Mayor de Blasio’s plan will transform commercial sanitation to protect New York City residents, workers, and businesses,” said George Miranda, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, whose affiliate locals represent public and private sanitation workers in New York City. “The administration collected the data and these facts don’t lie. Today’s private sanitation industry is grossly inefficient, impacting our roads, air quality, and safety. This is the plan we need to create a private sanitation industry that New York can be proud of.”
“We have been working in the shadows for too long, but Mayor de Blasio is shining the light on this industry,” said Sean Campbell, President of Teamsters Local 813, which represents private sanitation workers in New York City. “What was once a good, union job is now too often a dangerous, low-wage job. The reforms that Mayor de Blasio announced today are giving renewed hope to the working families of the New York commercial sanitation industry that they can have the American Dream too.”
“Our members at the Department of Sanitation have safety protections at work and take a fair paycheck home to their families,” said Harry Nespoli, President of Teamsters Local 831, the Uniformed Sanitationmen’s Association. “All workers deserve respect, a safe environment, and a fair wage.”
“I’m a proud Teamster and know that this can be a good job, but have seen too many companies that don’t take safety seriously,” said Stephen Falk, private sanitation worker for 23 years and member of Teamsters Local 813. “Thank you to Mayor de Blasio and DSNY for taking these historic steps to make the industry safe again.”
Contact: Alex Moore, alex@teamstersjc16.com, 718-289-0204