Union: Garbage dispute is struggle for power, survival

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_6381204

Union: Garbage dispute is struggle for power, survival
By Chris Metinko, MEDIANEWS STAFF
Article Last Updated: 07/15/2007 02:39:33 AM PDT

While so many contract disputes center on the basic concept of money, the stalemate currently playing out in the form of overflowing trash bins in the East Bay seems to be related to another five-letter word also synonymous with labor relations — power.

"I think that's what this comes down to," said Chuck Mack, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 70, which represents 481 garbage workers who have been locked out since July 2. "It's a question about power. (Waste Management of Alameda County) wants to break apart these unions, and we're not going to let them."

Waste Management's demands for tougher safety policies have drawn the union's ire and concerns over the company's ability to fire workers more easily. But it's a proposed "no strike, no lockout" clause that has union leaders most worried.

Such a clause would eliminate the possibility of a strike or lockout during the life of the contract. To Local 70, however, it also eliminates its right to honor picket lines.

Waste Management officials deny that, saying workers would be able to honor the local, sanctioned picket lines. However company officials do believe it would protect the company against any collusion a union such as Local 70 may take part in with another union, such as Local 396 in Los Angeles, whose contract with Waste Management expires Sept. 30.

FULL story at link.