Highlights:

• Mediation ended between Waste Management and Teamsters Local 117 yesterday with the union declining to vote on a newly proposed labor agreement from Waste Management.  
• Labor contract impacts 150 recycling truck drivers.  There is an increased possibility of a lockout or strike starting as early as next week.  
• Waste Management has offered the drivers a 4% annual raise each of the next six years plus a $2,000 bonus per person to ratify the contract.  Union wants wages to more closely match waste haulers in the region.
• Waste Management has previously indicated that they will bring in replacement workers in the event of a labor stoppage.

From the article:

Contract negotiations between Waste Management and the Teamsters union representing about 150 recycle truck drivers broke down Thursday, increasing the possibility of a strike or lockout that could affect pickups starting next week.

The contract between the company and Teamsters Local 117 expired May 31. The company said it had agreed to extend a ratification deadline for its last offer until Sunday, June 17, an agreed to meet again on Thursday at the union’s request.

From Waste Management's Press Release

“In light of the Union’s request to meet, we were especially surprised that the Union came to the bargaining table without creative solutions designed to reach an agreement. In fact, they refused to offer anything. Furthermore, the Union informed the federal mediator they were not inclined to vote the agreement this weekend,” said Mary Evans, spokesperson for Waste Management. “Today’s lack of action is extremely disappointing. The Union appears more interested in public media displays and the threat of customer service disruptions rather than allowing employees to vote our generous offer.”

Waste Management’s final offer includes: Wage and benefit increases averaging over 4% per year which would provide the average recycle driver a total compensation package exceeding $98,000 in the final year of the new six-year contract. Health care coverage by Waste Management for future cost increases of up to 8% per year, or as much as $1,696 per month per driver in the final year of the contract. Pension increases throughout the life of the contract bringing the sixth-year annual employer-paid contribution to $10,608. $2,000 ratification bonus to each employee upon contract acceptance by June 17.