King County and the cities of Seattle, Redmond, Renton and Kirkland today urged a quick settlement to a strike against Waste Management by drivers represented by Teamsters Local 117 that collect recyclables and food and yard waste.
“While King County is not a party to the negotiations, I strongly encourage both sides to get back to the bargaining table and reach a fair and equitable agreement soon so that service disruptions can be avoided,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine said.
“I urge both sides in this labor dispute to go back to the bargaining table immediately and to get this resolved. Under its contract with the city, Waste Management is obligated to continue services in the event of any disruption. I intend to hold them to the contract,” said Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn.
“Kirkland residents give high marks for the garbage and recycling services that they receive,” said Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride. “We are hopeful that both parties will reach an agreement swiftly so that services can resume in Kirkland and other impacted communities.”
“I urge both the company and the union to resolve this quickly and end the disruption of this important community service,” said Redmond Mayor John Marchione.
“We are working closely with Waste Management to minimize the impacts on our residents and to make sure that all garbage, recycling and yard waste is collected as quickly as possible,” said Renton Mayor Denis Law.
To accommodate the possibility of pickets, Executive Constantine said King County has established designated areas at solid waste transfer stations along with “neutral gates” so that employees can enter and exit and continue their work.
“We are taking steps to minimize impacts for residents and making changes at our waste transfer facilities so our workers will not have to cross a picket line to do their jobs,” said the Executive.
Public Health – Seattle & King County has conditionally approved extended hours for garbage disposal at the County’s Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, if needed.
King County and the cities do not collect garbage, nor are the striking drivers public employees.
Waste Management provides collection services for residents and businesses in all or part of Algona, Auburn, Bothell, Burien, Carnation, Duvall, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Pacific, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, Snoqualmie and Woodinville.
Waste Management also provides collection services for unincorporated area residents and businesses in northeastern and southern King County, including the White Center, Highline and Skyway areas.
Residents can call their hauler for updated information about potential service delays. Residents who are uncertain as to which hauler provides collection service can visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/garbage-recycling/index.asp.
