Transportation workers grouped in the International Brotherhood of Teamsters are demanding that the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) maintain a neutral stance as employees at five sorting facilities and 27 reimbursement centers begin the process of organizing with the union.
“Co-op workers are concerned about low wages and want to improve their benefits and working conditions, so they contacted the group,” said Mark Davison, president of Teamsters Joint Council 37.
“These men and women are critical to environmental conservation in our state. They deserve a fair process to organize, without the lies, threats and intimidation tactics that are unfortunately so common during these campaigns.”
The OBRC, a non-profit cooperative, receives significant funding through the Oregon Bottle Bill, which charges a 10-cent deposit for most plastic, aluminum and glass beverage containers. Oregon was the first state to implement a deposit return system for single-use beverage containers to increase recycling. Deposit return systems have since spread to nine other states and most of Canada.
“The co-op must remain neutral and respect the rights of workers to form a union and engage in protected activities,” Davison said in the letter to OBRC leaders. “Your neutrality will demonstrate good faith toward the co-op’s workers and the citizens of Oregon, who help fund your organization through the Oregon Bottle Bill.”
