Mercer Island unaffected by Waste Management drivers’ strike
Published 5:35 pm Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Mercer Island’s yard waste and recycling pick-ups will not be affected by the Waste Management drivers’ strike, which began Wednesday morning.
The strike began Wednesday, including approximately 150 Waste Management recycle and yard waste drivers who are members of the Teamster Local 117 union in King and Snohomish counties.
Mercer Island is served by Republic Services (formerly Allied Waste). Earlier in June, the members of Local 117 ratified a five-year agreement with Republic.
According to a press release from Republic, the news of the strike has generated some phone calls with concerns that Republic’s services are included in the strike. Callers and residents have been assured that their yard waste, recycling and garbage collections will continue on schedule.
“You may have seen media coverage about a disruption in the collection of recyclables and waste,” said Mike Huycke, Republic’s Northwest Area President. “To be clear, this is due to negotiations between the Teamsters and one of our competitors…and there is no reason to believe Republic’s customers will be impacted by this situation.”
The strike is affecting areas like Newcastle and Kirkland.
