New Jersey State AFL-CIO Welcomes 39 New Members to Teamsters Local 469

The 39 new members are essential to Shred-it, Inc’s business, which as a wholly owned subsidiary of Stericycle, Inc., provides confidential shredding services to firms throughout the United States and Canada. The workers fought for over a year to ratify their first contract with Local 469 and won its approval by a huge margin.

The bargaining committee that negotiated the contract was led by Shred-it workers John Doherty, Cassiba Joseph, and Brian Manning. The three-year agreement includes annual wage increases, overtime pay, additional time off, seniority, grievance procedures and more.

The ratification of the contract was a culmination of an organizing campaign that began in late 2019 out of concerns for health and safety protocols and a demand for better wages, pensions and other benefits. The workers overcame aggressive resistance to unionization from management since April 2021, when they first organized with Local 469.

“I want to applaud Local 469 members for their dedication and commitment throughout this long, drawn-out battle at the bargaining table. This was a tough fight, but this strong group stood strong to win an excellent first contract that will protect them with the wages, benefits and protections they need and deserve,” said Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “This contract will serve as a great foundation for Shred-it workers. They will only continue to gain in the years ahead.”

Teamsters Local 469’s success in organizing the drivers and helpers at Shred-it Inc., is an example of the strong momentum of labor organizing in New Jersey and nationally. Workers everywhere are rising up in solidarity to demand better working conditions and an increased standard of living.

Congratulations to Teamsters Local 469, the bargaining committee and the workers at Shred-it., Inc. We are honored to have you join the labor movement as our newest brothers and sisters.