Waste Management, Teamsters Local 117 reach agreement; service resumes
August 2, 2012 · Updated 11:23 AM
Teamsters Local 117 voted Thursday morning to end its three-week strike against Waste Management.
Both sides announced that they have reached an agreement on a new six-year contract. Teamster leadership and the bargaining committee fully recommended that members approve the new contract at the ratification vote Thursday at the Union Hall in Tukwila.
Auburn-area garbage routes will now run on the regular schedule for residential and commercial customers. Due to the accumulated excess material, your collection may be later in the day than usual. Please leave your carts at the curb until they are emptied.
Garbage drivers are servicing their regular Thursday collection routes including garbage, recycling and yard waste/compostables. Residential and commercial customers can put out twice the regular amount of garbage at no extra charge.
"We are extremely pleased that we reached an agreement on a new contract that delivers a solid compensation package to our hardworking and professional drivers," said Robin Freedman, spokesperson for Waste Management. "Although regular drivers will be back on their routes tomorrow it will take time to fully recover from this unfortunate situation. We appreciate the community's patience during this time."
"Teamster drivers work hard and deserve fair compensation for the important work that they perform," announced Tracey Thompson, secretary treasurer for Teamster Local 117. "We are pleased to have negotiated a contract that recognizes the professionalism of our members."
Please report your missed pickups either via the City hot line 253-931-3060 or via a form available on the City web site, (www.auburnwa.gov/missedpickup). Information should include name, address, date of regularly scheduled pickup, and type of service, i.e. garbage, recycling, composting.
For more information, contact Waste Management at 1-800-592-9995 or visit their websit at www.wmnorthwest.com.
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