CAW to take strike vote at City of Edmonton residential garbage provider

EDMONTON , Oct. 28 /CNW/ - Efforts to reach a new collective agreement have stalled between the CAW and Waste Services (CA) Inc, with the union planning to take a strike vote on November 5th, 2009 if approved by the Alberta Labour Relations Board. Once the strike vote is taken, the union must issue a notice to the company of the withdrawal of services 72 hours prior to taking any strike action, within 120 days of the strike vote.

"The workers are seeking a fair collective agreement and a return to the bargaining table," said CAW National Representative Todd Romanow.

Both parties have various proposals including wages and benefits still on the table but the company has not responded to the union's last offer of settlement. "We are confident that the issues can be resolved without resorting to a work disruption if Waste Services agrees to get back together," said Romanow.

Waste Services provides commercial garbage services in the Edmonton and surrounding communities as well as operating a transfer station and recycling centre in Sherwood Park , Alberta. Waste Services as well is the largest private provider of residential garbage pickup for the City of Edmonton and its residents.

The CAW represents approximately 162 drivers, swampers, heavy equipment operators, shop employees and recycle workers.

The current contract expired on June 29, 2009 and the parties have already met with a mediator appointed by Alberta Mediation Services under the Alberta Labour Relations Code.

For further information: Todd Romanow, National Representative at [phone] or email [email protected]