Garbage firm signs contract

Waste Management averted a possible garbage strike Tuesday, finally signing a contract the union approved three months ago.

"We're still very thankful that there was no disruption in the garbage pickup," said Dan Scott, secretary-treasurer for Teamsters Local 174, which represents about 200 drivers who collect garbage in King and Snohomish counties.

Jerry Hardebeck, director of public-sector services for the company, said, "Waste Management is just glad the whole thing is done."

The union approved the contract May 7, but Waste Management did not sign it. The company said there were potential conflicts with a separate contract the company had signed with Teamsters Local 117, which represents recycling and yard-waste drivers.

On Tuesday, the leadership of Teamsters 174 debated whether to go on strike or to file an unfair-labor complaint with the National Labor Relations Board. The union said it had 300 picket signs ready to go. It also met with Local 117, which supported 174's contract. Both Teamster branches called the Waste Management comments about conflict "company spin."

Local 174 is still negotiating a labor agreement between Waste Management and 40 mechanics whose contract expired in December.

On Monday, the union notified Waste Management that the mechanics would be free to go on strike in 10 days if they don't have a new contract in place.

"We need to see a sense of urgency and high priority from the company toward the mechanics," Scott said.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com