Strike Update: No Waste Pickup Thursday in Kirkland

The strike launched Wednesday by Waste Management’s recycle and yard waste truck drivers -- which is being honored by the company's garbage truck drivers -- means there will be no collection in Kirkland on Thursday.

Kirkland contracts with Waste Management for trash collection, and both the city and company reported Thursday morning that drivers of all three types of trucks did not report for work.

Charging unfair labor practices and a lack of good-faith bargaining, 153 members of Teamsters Local 117 who drive recycle and yard waste trucks . Garbage truck drivers, who negotiate a separate contract as members of Local 174, are honoring 117’s picket lines.

The city reports that “Kirkland customers with Thursday collection service are encouraged to remove their garbage, recycling, and yard waste carts from the street.  A double load of garbage and recyclables will be collected at no additional cost on the next regularly scheduled service day.”

The company is encouraging its customers to stay informed on the progress of the strike and service interruptions by visiting its website at www.wmnorthwest.com/servicedelays.  Questions or concerns should be directed to WMI at 1-800-592-9995 or pnwrsservices@wm.com.

For all of Kirkland Patch’s continuing coverage of the labor dispute, click here.