TUKWILA, Wash. - Waste Management says it's working toward an agreement with union workers despite disagreement over its "best and final" offer.
On Sunday, Teamsters Local Union 174 took their message to the people who count the most, the customers, including Longinue Shipp, union member and customer.
"I'm definitely going to put signs in my yard. I'm definitely in the King County pick-up area, because I pay for my garbage too," he said.
The signs will be handed out to the community to show support for garbage haulers who are fighting for a new contract with their employer, Waste Management.
"All we've asked them to do number one is come to the table and bargain a fair contract and they refuse to do that," said Michael Gonzales of Teamsters 174.
Waste Management says that's because they've already done it. The issues of wages, retirement and health care have been addressed in what they call their best and final offer.
"If the teamsters would put rallies and politics aside their members would see clearly that this offer on the table is solid and strong," said Jackie Lang.
Now the risks go higher. The union has already threatened a strike. Now Waste Management could save them the trouble and lock them out.
"The union has the right to strike, Waste Management has the right to lock out," said Lang.
Both union and management agree on one thing, how best to serve the one million customers they serve in King and Snohomish counties during these negotiations.
"I tell customers we hope to come to an agreement … nobody in that room wants to strike," said Shipp.
"It's business as usual unless you hear otherwise," said Lang.
The union is asking customers to place the signs in their yards to show support. They're also handing out door flyers with information and phone numbers for customers to call if their service is disrupted.
Waste Management says after they placed want ads, more than 2,000 people responded and 500 of them are now moving forward in the interview process.
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