Orange County workers return to picket line after contract talks stall

More than 465 workers in Orange County walked back onto the picket line on Thursday. The group, represented by Teamsters Local 952, failed to reach a new contract late Wednesday night. The return to the strike line is expected to slow operations at local landfills and other county services.

The workforce includes heavy equipment operators, waste handlers, and custodial staff. Many of these employees work for the county’s Public Works and Waste & Recycling departments. This is not the first time the group has stopped work. The workers first struck on October 13 but returned to their jobs a week later when negotiations resumed.

Union leaders say the dispute began in 2025, roughly six months before the current contract expired. They argue that the county made no real progress on a deal until August. Eric Jimenez, the secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 952, said members rejected two specific offers from the county. One proposal provided a 3% raise, while the other offered 4%. Neither offer included retroactive pay for the time the workers were out or for the period of stalled talks.

Jimenez told reporters that the members felt the lack of back pay was unfair. “(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.” The county has stated that it respects the employees' right to strike under California law. A county spokesperson said the government will use contingency plans to limit service disruptions.

Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Thursday. County and union officials are set to meet for another round of bargaining to try and close the gap in their demands.