Worker strike looms over Sims' Sunset Park Recycling Facility

By Paul Ploumis

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): Amidst fears that workers at Sims Recycling’s Sunset Park Recycling Facility may go on strike against management policy, the New York City Council’s Committee on Sanitation and Solid Waste Management has announced that it will hold a public hearing on the matter.

The hearing is scheduled to be held 250 Broadway - Committee Rm, 14th Fl. at 10 AM today. It is expected to oversee the potential for a work stoppage at the state-of-the-art recycling facility leased by Sims Recycling Solutions and also analyze the potential impact that can be caused on residential recycling in the event of a strike. Meantime, Teamsters is scheduled to conduct a press conference before the public hearing along with facility workers.

According to sources, more than 70% of the workers at the facility have signed a petition stating their willingness to unionize under the Teamsters Local 210. However, Sims Recycling management has refused to recognize formation of union. In response, the workers have threatened to go on strike, which in turn is feared to affect the operations at the facility, which is believed to handle majority of New York’s commingled curbside waste materials. As per the terms of its contract with the City, Sims is responsible to ensure that there are no work stoppages and other labor-related issues at the site, noted union leaders. Teamsters have demanded the City Council to ensure that Sims live up to the contract terms.

The workers noted that organizing a union with the Teamsters would help them to secure good jobs. The successful institution of union representation is also expected to ensure safe workplace and fair compensation and benefits to workers. Furthermore, it would put an end to ill-practices such as favoritism and unfair scheduling system and bring in affordable healthcare for families of workers.

The workers at the facility have also filed the unfair labor practices at the facility with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). According to them, the management has blocked the pay of a worker who supported the union. Also supporters of union were threatened by the company management and denied promised pay hike. In addition, the Sims management has promised workers of improved benefits for opposing the union, it alleged.

Meantime, George Miranda, secretary treasurer of Teamsters Local 210, said Sims wouldn’t be allowed to intimidate the employees. The union will support any strike by employees to get their demand for better workplace rules fulfilled. Other organizations such as Building and Construction Trades Council have also extended support to workers. Meantime, Sims is yet to announce its response to worker’s call for strike.

The state-of-the-art material recovery facility located at the 30th Street Pier in the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park, Brooklyn was opened in December 2013. Located on an 11-acre waterfront pier, it processes New York City’s curbside metal, glass, and plastic recyclables. The 140,000 square feet facility includes a Tipping Building; Processing and Bale Storage Buildings; and an Administrative and Education Center. The Education Center contains programs for students and the public including classrooms, exhibitions, and interactive demonstration displays.