Garbage union to seek Democrats' support

Union garbage and recycling workers say they'll appeal to King County Democrats at their convention Saturday for support in their labor dispute with Waste Management. About 400 members of Teamsters Local 174, which represents garbage haulers, have been working without a contract since March 31, and the union has rejected what the company called its "last, best and final offer" two days later.

Teamsters Local 117, which represents mostly recycling and yard-waste haulers, has said it will honor a picket line in the event Local 174 goes on strike.

The union said Friday that Waste Management's offer doesn't cover potential increases to retirees' medical costs that are provided in contracts with two other regional garbage haulers, Allied Waste and CleanScapes.

The proposed contract also increases employees' monthly medical premiums by $20.

Allied Waste reached a tentative agreement with its employees March 31. Local 117 approved the contract a week ago. Local 174 is to vote Sunday.

David Groves, spokesman for the Washington State Labor Council, said the region is traditionally pro-labor and Democrats across the state have enjoyed strong union support.

"If service is disrupted, public pressure will be brought to bear on the company," Groves said.

Sunday, the unions are holding a rally to encourage residents to complain if, in the event of a strike or lockout, garbage or recycling collection is disrupted.

Contracts between cities and counties and Waste Management require the companies to pick up trash even if there is a strike.

Lynn Thompson: 206-464-8305 or lthompson@seattletimes.com

Information in this article, originally published April 9, 2010, was corrected April 10, 2010. A previous version of this story incorrectly explained part of the proposed contract. The proposed contract increases employees' monthly medical premiums by $20.