Striking Trash Haulers Agree to Mediation, Return to Work

After striking for 13 days, trash haulers employed by Unity Disposal in Montgomery and Howard counties returned to work at 5 a.m. Thursday, January 8th. The workers went on strike December 26 over wages, benefits and unfair labor practices. Striking employees agreed to return to work after being urged to do so by a federal mediator, who met with representatives of the company and striking workers on Tuesday. The parties will meet again with the federal mediator on Monday, January 12…

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Unity contracts with Montgomery and Howard counties to provide trash pick-up service to more than 60,000 households. Drivers employed by Unity Disposal generally make less than $30,000 per year, according to LiUNA! Mid-Atlantic Region, which represents the workers. Helpers — the workers who ride on the vehicles and heave 15 to 20 tons of garbage or recycling into the back of their trucks each day — typically make less than $25,000 per year. “Many Unity employees have worked for the company for years without seeing a raise,” said LiUNA.

Negotiations have stalled in large part over Unity’s refusal to grant a raise to drivers or helpers in 2015. Unity employees voted to form their union with Laborers’ Union Local 657 more than 9 months ago and have been seeking to negotiate a first contract since then.