Federal Labor Law Violations Provoke Strike at Waste Management

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Apr 21, 2010, 01:30 ET

Customers Should Call 1-800-976-0071 to Report Trash Pick Up Problems

SEATTLE, April 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Waste Management forced sanitation workers who service King and Snohomish County to strike this morning in response to Waste Management's refusal to bargain a contract with Teamsters Local 174.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100127/IBTLOGO)

The National Labor Relation Board is investigating several labor law violations committed by the company, including bargaining in bad faith, coercing employees, threatening to retaliate against workers, and unilaterally changing working conditions.

"In spite of our best efforts Waste Management is refusing to come back to the table to bargain in good faith," said Local 174 Secretary-Treasurer, Rick Hicks. "We are taking a measured action to persuade Waste Management to correct its illegal acts and to minimize the impact on the public."

Residents and businesses that experience trash pick up service disruptions should call 1-800-976-0071 and visit www.seattletrashwatch.com for additional updates and information.

"The last thing we want is a strike, but the company is using illegal bullying tactics to threaten our livelihood and eliminate health care safeguards," said Mike Pollardo, a Waste Management sanitation worker servicing the City of Monroe.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE Teamsters Local 174