waste_management.jpg
Recycling and yard waste pickup for nearly 300,000 Waste Management customers could be disrupted this week after contract talks failed to produced a new contract for drivers. (AP Photo/file)

Union recycling and yard waste drivers preparing for labor trouble

BY Chris Sullivan  on June 18, 2012 @ 5:35 am (Updated: 7:21 am - 6/18/12 )

Recycling and yard waste pickup for nearly 300,000 Waste Management customers could be disrupted this week after contract talks failed to produced a new contract for drivers.

After the union failed to even consider the company's last and final offer over the weekend, there's word Waste Management is considering a lockout of its recycling and yard waste truck drivers.

The action could impact service to nearly 300,000 customers.

Waste Management had replacement drivers practicing routes last week, but there has been no lockout so far.

"We hope that the company doesn't engage in some sort of lockout," says union spokesperson Brenda Wiest with Teamsters Local 117. "That would just be very harmful to the community and just harmful in general, but it does seem it is aggressively preparing for some sort of labor dispute or lockout."

Union drivers said they have no plans to strike.

Should there be a lockout, garbage service could be disrupted too. Garbage haulers, who are under contract, likely wouldn't cross any picket lines.

Waste Management's Robin Freedman said it has do what it can to maintain service during any potential labor dispute.

Chris Sullivan, KIRO Radio Reporter
Chris loves the rush of covering breaking news and works hard to try to make sense of it all while telling stories about real people in extraordinary circumstances.
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Comments (23)


  • Add A Comment

  • Alex Mason wrote...
    MyvinNorthwest fails again to disclose some helpful information.
    June 18, 2012 6:53 am
    Such as what wages and salaries these employees of the union make. I'm trying my best to shed a tear, it's hard, but I may be able to turn the faucets on once I get to see what the wage expectations are.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    Alex
    June 18, 2012 7:53 am
    What wage and benefits do you feel would be fair for these drivers?What type of job do you do and what are your pay and benefits?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • R L M 456 wrote...
    Here is a Better Idea
    June 18, 2012 7:18 am
    Anyone who misses a pick call and DEMAND that Waste Management issue a credit for the Mixed time

    Do not fall for the "you can put out double" next time

    Those Thieves charge an extra $12.50 if your Lid is open a 1/2"

    Hit them the same way,

    CREDIT MY ACCOUNT FOR A MIXED PICKUP

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • R L M 456 wrote...
    opps
    June 18, 2012 7:19 am
    MISSED PICKUP
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Hey Messiah
    June 18, 2012 9:35 am
    Did you know many cities offered recycling pickup way before they even had recycling programs in place or before they were cost effective (if they ever became cost effective)? To this day many recycling programs COST money. When they would have these bogus recycling programs guess where the full recycling trucks would go? They'd follow the garbage trucks to the landfill. Who's the moron now? ...and the unions still get paid.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    shark75
    June 18, 2012 12:13 pm
    You really have a short sighted view of recycling.As the cost of fuel increases and the cost to the environment in the manufacturing of some products is severe then the long term advantage of recycling pays off.In many areas of the USA land fills have become full requiring wate material to be shipped hundreds of miles for disposal.As I type I look out my street and a Waste Management truck is picking up my trash at this moment and on its side is a sign that says that their recycling helps power 1,000,000 Homes. Thats significant
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • CH wrote...
    They are unskilled truck drivers; period? . . . .
    June 18, 2012 10:15 am
    Bet you couldn't make it ten minutes behind the wheel, 0-0. Arn't you a federal cop? Your next on the list to get cuts. Bet you will squeal like a pig when you get your cuts.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    noscreenname wrote
    June 18, 2012 11:01 am
    I couldn't have said it better myself!!! Lock 'em out, fire them and let people who will do the job without bytching have the job. Abolish unions!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    shark75 Reading problem huh?
    June 18, 2012 12:20 pm
    Sorry your stuck at that minimum wage job and can't get a decent Union job. But don't be jealous of other middle class people attempting to improve their lives.Remember Unions are selective ,when I was a member we didn't take everybody as you had to do your share perhaps thats your problem. Your not a team player and too disruptive for other to want to work with you.So now you take your attitude out on anybody who is doing better then you are
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • otmilkr wrote...
    Agree with messiah
    June 18, 2012 6:33 pm
    Corporations are very organized... why should they be the only side of the arrangement? I am thinking Shark would vote for "right to work" legislation so he and his kids and grandkids can have less... Pretty cool sharky
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }