SEATTLE - Millions of people who live in King County and parts of Snohomish County could see their garbage start piling up if trash collectors walk off the job. Waste Management and Allied Waste have been at the bargaining table with Teamsters Local 117 and 174, but talks could soon break down.
The unions claim there are two issues at stake: employee safety and pay cuts.
"The problem is when employees report safety concerns, they don't get responded to by the employer. If an employee gets injured on the job, the employee gets disciplined," said Tracey Thompson, Teamsters Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer.
Thompson also says both companies are asking workers to make unlimited wage cuts.
Waste Management argues the counties and cities they serve are experiencing unprecedented budget deficits, which in turn affects how much the company and employees are paid.
"When the economy is struggling we typically are paid less for our services, so it creates a pinch point for us as well," said Jackie Lang, Waste Management's Director of Sustainability.
About 900 employees who work for Waste Management and Allied Services serve King County and parts of Snohomish County.
Both unions are planning informational pickets at ten main hubs of Waste Management and Allied Waste. A strike could come at the end of the month when the contract for Local 174 expires.
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