Trash Haulers Strike Over Contract Negotiations

Trash cans lining the streets are filled with wrapping paper, gift boxes and leftovers the day after Christmas. But for some residents in Montgomery and Howard Counties, the trash may stay there longer than anticipated.

Trash haulers, employed with Unity Disposal, walked off the job at 5 a.m. this morning, according to WJLA. The group picketed in Laurel with signs, masks and a huge inflatable rat. Works say their current contracts with Unity Disposal are unfair and not enough for the work they do.

“I average about $20,000 to $30,000 a year and that’s not enough. I have a family to take care of,” worker Anthony Taylor told WJLA.

Unity Disposal provides service to over 40,000 households in Montgomery and Howard Counties, according to WUSA 9. Employees had voted to form a union with Laborers’ Union Local 657 over nine months ago, but negotiations for the first contract have stopped.

In Montgomery County, Unity Disposal serves areas for trash and recycling in Bethesda, Aspen Hill, Colesville/North Silver Spring and recycling just north of Gaithersburg, according to Montgomery Community Media.

“We work hard and we provide a vital public service. Yet too many of us struggle to provide for our families on what Unity pays us. These should not be poverty-level jobs,” Unity driver Martin Puesan told WUSA 9. “

Unity Disposal has hired day contractors to replace its workers and pick up the trash after Christmas, WJLA reports.

“We will be out here until a contract is negotiated,” Taylor tells the news station.

>>Photos screenshot from WJLA.