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Strike resumes for hundreds of Orange County workers. Here’s where the labor dispute stands
Teamsters Local 952 say they initiated bargaining talks in 2025.
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Courtesy of Teamsters Local 952
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More than 465 Orange County workers with the Teamsters Local 952 returned to the picket line Thursday after failing to reach a deal late Wednesday. Union officials say they once again expect delays in landfill operations and other county services.
The workers include heavy equipment operators, waste workers, custodial workers and more from county departments such as OC Public Works and OC Waste & Recycling.
Workers first went on strike on Oct. 13, but went back to work a week later when bargaining resumed.
“The County respects the rights of our dedicated employees to engage in lawful strike activity under California law,” a county spokesperson said in a statement. “The County will continue to execute contingency plans as needed to minimize any service disruptions.”
Union leaders said they initiated bargaining talks in 2025 — about six months before the active contract was set to expire. They also claim the county made no significant movement toward a deal until August.
How we got here
Eric Jimenez, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 952, told LAist that members rejected two county offers, which included a 3% raise and another offer with a 4% raise. Both offers did not include retroactive pay.
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“(Workers) didn't do anything to hold these negotiations up,” Jimenez said. “To receive no retroactive pay for something they didn't do … the members took it very offensively.”
What’s next?
County and union officials are expected to meet Thursday for another round of bargaining.
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