scope:

Summary

Union membership in America has been in a downward spiral for the past 50 years. However, this does not mean that the private solid waste industry can rest easy. Because the type of work performed by industry employees cannot be sent abroad to reduce labor costs and the nature of the business is recession-resistant, unions recently have targeted solid waste companies. Specifically, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the largest union player in the field, has publicly vowed to unionize private solid waste companies nationwide and has expended significant resources to achieve that goal. Recently, it announced its separation from the AFL-CIO to pursue a more aggressive organizing strategy. Solid waste companies will certainly continue to be a high priority for new Teamster organizing.

This paper reviews the methods used by unions to organize companies, the procedures by which unions become certified as representatives of employees for collective bargaining purposes, and the bargaining process itself. It also addresses recent strikes in the industry and the ways employers can prepare in advance to reduce the impact of a strike. Finally, the paper looks at management initiatives that should be used to reduce the possibility that employees will seek union representation.