Labor Calls Garbage Strike A Success

Milpitas' trash collectors' efforts earlier this month to support fellow union members in Indiana was deemed a success, according to a story in Labor Notes magazine on Tuesday.

Garbage, recycling and garden waste bins around town were the week of June 5 as crews declined to cross a picket line at Newby Island Sanitary Landfill that Monday.

Lines had formed at Republic Services/Allied Waste facilities in Milpitas and elsewhere to back fellow union members who were locked out of their workplace in Evansville, Ind. over a contract dispute, according to a press release. Milpitas trash collectors returned to their jobs that Tuesday.

This week, Republic Services backed off of the six-week lockout, according to the magazine. Milpitas workers' support were cited by labor as a reason for the change.