The Huntington Beach City Council declared a local emergency Wednesday in response to a sanitation worker strike that has delayed trash pickups across Orange County. The local emergency declaration authorizes temporary measures to mitigate trash pileup on city streets.
The strike was authorized on Nov. 23 and began on Dec. 9. Members of Teamsters Local 396, who work for Republic Services, allege unfair labor practices like excessive working hours, as well as harassment and retaliation by the company. Their contract expired on Sept. 30 and the two sides have been unable to agree on a new one.
Over 400 workers are part of the strike. The cities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton, and Placentia have all been impacted.
Huntington Beach’s mitigation plan will be put into effect this weekend if there is no labor agreement. In the meantime, the city has asked residents to continue putting trash bins out on the curb. Items that must be discarded immediately can be taken to one of several drop-off locations, including the Gothard Street Public Works Yard, Greer Park, Edison Park, Murdy Park, and Meadowlark Golf.
Residents of impacted cities have been advised to double bag their items and securely tie the bags. They are also advised to cut down on waste by avoiding use of paper towels and disposable plates, cups or silverware. Major yard work should be delayed and cardboard boxes should be reused when possible.
Exit question: What happens during the holidays?