Ridwell workers vote unanimously to join Local 350
April 29, 2024
Drivers and warehouse workers at Ridwell have voted unanimously to join Teamsters Local 350. Nationwide, workers at Ridwell are organizing to gain a voice at work and to improve pay, benefits, and working conditions. This is the fourth group of workers to join the Teamsters at Ridwell.
“I want to applaud this group for joining a growing number of workers at Ridwell who are organizing with the Teamsters,” said John Bouchard, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 350. “We welcome them to Local 350 and are prepared to help these new members secure a strong first contract, offering fair compensation, benefits, and a voice on the job.”
Ridwell is a recycling start-up focused on responsibly reusing and disposing of hard-to-recycle items like batteries, lightbulbs, and plastic film. Since its founding in Washington state in 2018, Ridwell has expanded to California, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Oregon, and Texas.
“We ultimately organized with the Teamsters because we need the ability to advocate for improved job security and more consistent hours,” said Blaine Sverne, a driver at Ridwell and a new member of Local 350. “Now it is time to negotiate a first contract that will address our collective concerns and provide us a brighter future.”
Ridwell has remained neutral on unionization, noting that it will respect the workers’ choice. Last year, the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, with assistance from Teamsters Local 117, secured a verbal neutrality agreement with the company.
“I extend my congratulations to these workers for choosing to become Teamsters,” said Robert M. Sandoval, President of Teamsters Local 350. “I am grateful for the support of the Solid Waste and Recycling Division and deeply appreciate the guidance provided by our counterparts at Local 117, notably James Borsum.”
