Garbage haulers approve one contract, but still no deal with Waste Management

Shortly after a new contract with one garbage company was approved, union haulers rallied Sunday in Tukwila to say they're ready for a strike if a standoff with the other, Waste Management, cannot be resolved.

Members of Teamsters Locals 174 and 117 filled a 500-seat auditorium wearing black T-shirts that read "Don't trash our contract. It's about respect," and singing "We shall not give up the fight. We have only started."

Earlier Sunday, Local 174 members who work for Allied Waste approved a new contract that gives them a $2.80-an-hour increase in wages and benefits spread out over four years, said Teamsters spokesman Michael Gonzales.

The contract, which won 92 percent of the votes cast, means "about 150,000 local customers are not going to lose" garbage-pickup service, Gonzales said.

A labor agreement appeared far less certain between Local 174 and Waste Management. The company serves about 1 million customers in Snohomish and King counties, including in the city of Seattle.

Members of Local 174 have been working without a contract since March 31. Waste Management presented what it said was its final offer for a new, five-year contract April 2, and the two sides have gone nearly a week without meeting.

Houston-based Waste Management describes its offer as plenty reasonable, especially given the difficult economic environment.

The union counters that it's being asked to pay more for health-care costs despite working tough, often-dangerous jobs for a highly profitable company.

Both sides say they're willing to return to the bargaining table, but as of Sunday evening no talks had been scheduled.

Waste Management says it now offers wages and benefits, including a pension, worth about $95,000 annually and is proposing to raise that to $109,500 over five years, based on a regular 40-hour workweek, plus six hours of overtime weekly.

Workers also would see their monthly health-insurance premiums rise to $50 from $30 now, said Waste Management spokeswoman Jackie Lang.

"We think that's reasonable given rising health-care costs and the overall economic climate," Lang said. "If the Teamsters would put rallies and politics aside, we believe their members would see clearly that our economic proposal is solid and strong."

Two weeks ago, Local 174 gave their negotiators authority to call a strike if deemed necessary, and Waste Management took out ads for replacement workers in the event of a strike or lockout. Contracts between cities and counties and Waste Management require the company to pick up trash even if there is a work stoppage.

Lang said about 2,200 people have applied for the trash-hauler jobs, adding, "We are highly impressed with the number and quality of applicants who are really excited about working for Waste Management."

The Teamsters distributed information Sunday explaining how members can help ensure local residents report insufficient service during a strike or lockout.

Driver Longinue Shipp said he's prepared for a strike.

"If my lights go out while I'm standing on the picket line, then I'll buy some candles," Shipp told the standing-room-only crowd, prompting applause. "I worked for this company in Florida, and I made half the salary I make here, and I didn't have a 401(k) or pension."

Driver Ewart Grove Jr. said he also is ready to strike if needed. He acknowledged that such a move might not play particularly well with a recession-wary public, noting, "I know of some drivers who've been cut off in traffic and flipped off."

But, he added, "Even if they give us a wage increase, we still could be taking a step backward because of medical costs."

Amy Martinez: 206-464-2923 or amartinez@seattletimes.com