TEAMSTERS RATIFY CONTRACT AT ECOBAT

Three-Year Contract Delivers Largest Wage Increase in More Than 25 Years

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 220 workers at Ecobat, represented by Teamsters Local 986, have overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that delivers the largest wage increase in more than 25 years. The agreement also strengthens health care benefits, expands paid time off, increases sick leave, and boosts the company's contributions to workers' 401(k) retirement plans.

"This agreement reflects the strength and solidarity of our members at Ecobat," said Raymond Whitmer, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 986. "They stood together to secure meaningful wage increases, better, benefits, and greater financial security for their families. This is what strong union representation delivers."

Ecobat specializes in recycling and recovering battery materials for reuse in new products. Teamsters at the facility perform the skilled work of recycling, smelting, and refining battery materials, transforming used batteries into resources that support manufacturers across multiple industries.

"This is the best contract I have ever seen in my 25 years of working here at Ecobat," said Luis Villanueva, a worker at Ecobat and steward with Local 986. "The improvements this contract delivers will help us provide good lives for our families and make sure our children have a future. I'm so proud of my fellow brothers and sisters for standing strong during negotiations."

Teamsters Local 986 represents nearly 30,000 members across the western United States, Hawaii, and Guam. For more information, visit https://www.local986.org/.

Contact:Rene Holliday, (909) 630-5611[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 986