Sunday, May 09, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Garbage workers strike for first time since 1967
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
RENO -- Garbage workers in the Reno area walked picket lines Saturday, a day after going on strike for the first time since 1967.
Teamsters Local 533 called the strike Friday after negotiations broke down with Waste Management of Nevada Inc. over pay, job security, health insurance and vacation benefits.
About 350 company employees have been working without a contract since April 18. Of that, about 280 are union members.
"Over and above the economic and job security issues, the straw that broke the camel's back came when Waste Management inserted instructions into pay envelopes advising employees how to abandon their union," said Local 533 secretary-treasurer Lou Martino.
The strike left full garbage cans in some areas and prompted company officials to call in a strike team of employees from around the country to resume full service.
"We are going to make sure we take care of the city," company manager Greg Martinelli told the Reno Gazette-Journal. "They are going to hit the ground running."
He declined to say how many workers were being brought to Reno, but said garbage not picked up Friday would be removed by Monday.
Martino said workers sought a "no subcontracting" clause that would provide job security and three weeks of vacation after five years instead of 10 years.
Workers also offered to pay a portion of their health insurance for an hourly raise of 90 cents, or to accept an 80-cent raise for full health coverage.
Under a proposed three-year contract, the company offered a pay increase of 60 cents an hour the first year, 65 cents the second year and 70 cents the final year.
Truck drivers on neighborhood routes now earn $17.94 an hour while garbage pick-up workers make $13.12. Other truck drivers make $19.32.
The 1967 strike by 30 garbage workers lasted 12 days.
