Bill to bar waste haulers from using force‑majeure to suspend service during strikes moves forward

Sen. Ozzo presented SB 1371, saying the bill "ensures that solid waste companies cannot use force majeure clauses to suspend service during a labor dispute in order to undermine a lawful worker strike." He told the committee the proposal applies to contracts entered into after enactment and is limited in scope to protect public health services.

A Teamsters California representative testified in support. "These provisions, when they include labor disputes, tend to actually prolong strikes because cities lose their ability to enforce liquidated damages or penalties," Matt Broad said, urging the committee to adopt the bill to protect workers, local governments and communities. No formal opposition was recorded at the hearing and the bill was advanced on the roll call with votes announced by the chair.

Supporters framed the measure as protecting continuous essential services and local governments' enforcement tools while imposing minimal state cost. The committee moved SB 1371 forward; the author asked for an aye vote at the appropriate moment and members recorded their votes on the roll call.