Liberty Tire Recycling employees vote on first union contract in Atlanta

Drivers and helpers at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Liberty Tire Recycling's Atlanta facility have voted unanimously in favor of their first contract as members of Teamsters Local 728.

The agreement contains significant wage increases, seniority language, a grievance procedure and stronger security for the 40-worker unit.

"We learned a lot throughout this process," 15-year Liberty Tire Recycling Driver Laba Mbengue says. "Management treats us with respect now. A new life has started all because of the Teamsters, and everyone is happy to have won this incredible contract. It's better than we could have ever imagined. We got together and fought for our rights, and now we see the results. It's truly life-changing."

Recycling Today Media Group reached out to Liberty Tire Recycling for comment but has not yet heard back from company officials.

Liberty Tire Recycling employs more than 2,700 workers nationwide and is among the largest tire recyclers in the nation.

Mbengue, one of the lead members of Local 728's bargaining committee, and his co-workers reached out to the Teamsters in early September 2021 seeking improved working conditions, higher wages and better benefits. On Oct. 15, workers voted in favor of representation with Local 728.

Additional highlights in the new agreement include an increase in boot and phone allowance, a Christmas bonus, an increase in vacation and holiday pay and the addition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a paid holiday. 

"Throughout the organizing and contract campaigns, these workers showed incredible strength and solidarity. From the very start, these dedicated workers were united for a better way of life. This ratification vote reflects their determination to win the protection of a strong union contract," Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division and Vice President of Local 728 Chuck Stiles says. He also thanked the leaders of Local 728 for their help during negotiations.