Garbage strike enters day 4

SEATTLE — The garbage strike is now in its fourth day and there is no sign of a deal.

Strikers are refusing to put down their signs until Waste Management resumes negotiations, but the company said it won’t happen until the picket lines come down.

Teamsters Local Union No. 117 offered to take down picket lines throughout the region at 9 a.m. Saturday but Waste Management rejected the union’s latest bid.

"We made a reasonable offer to stop picketing when the parties meet, to give the bargaining process a chance for success," said Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer, Tracey A. Thompson. "Given Waste Management's track record of not playing by the rules, it is not surprising that the company rejected that offer and continues to hold our communities hostage."

A letter from the city of Seattle said Waste Management could face fees of more than a million dollars a day if pickups do not resume by Wednesday.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News spoke with Adam Young of the Teamsters Local 117 about the strike and how it affects him.

“There’s some chatter, boy I hope it doesn’t go too long, because right; everybody has bills, we all have to eat,” said Young.

According to Waste Management, pickup will happen this weekend for critical collection, including hospitals and nursing homes.

KIRO