Teamsters Local 174, garbage truck drivers, vote to authorize a labor strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.seattlepi.com/sound/417521_sound89363767.html

Monday, March 29, 2010
Last updated 9:30 a.m. PT

By DENNIS BOX
COVINGTON REPORTER

Garbage truck drivers represented by Teamsters Local 174 voted today to authorize a strike that would affect Maple Valley, Covington, Black Diamond and the surrounding area.

The union represents drivers in both King and Snohomish counties.

The union has been negotiating with Waste Management, which is based in Houston, Texas and Allied Waste Services, which is owned by Republic Services with corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Ariz.

Michael Gonzales, spokesman for Local 174, said the vote was nearly unanimous with only one no vote.

According Gonzales, the drivers that pick up recycle and yard waste, represented by Teamster Local 117, will honor a picket line if it is set up by 174 drivers.

The contract for the local 174 drivers expires Wednesday, March 31 at midnight.

FULL story at link.