REVERE, Mass., June 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Waste Services today said that negotiations between the company and Teamsters Local 25 are continuing. The contract for the company's 85 drivers and mechanics expires at 11:59 p.m., June 30.
"Reaching a new, competitive labor agreement is very important to our employees, our customers and everyone who depends on the continuing success of our company. The task is especially challenging in light of the continuing difficult economic conditions that are impacting our business and our customers," said Jeff Burdick, the company's New England area president.
He noted that the competition in the waste industry is intense in the Boston area with more than 25 non-union waste companies competing for business in a market that continues to struggle economically. Only three other waste service companies have Teamster represented employees in the Boston area.
Burdick said that the company and the union are continuing to seek a solution to the problem of the New England Teamster Pension Fund's financial instability. He also said that providing employees with a secure retirement at the end of their careers is very important to Allied Waste. The New England Teamsters Pension Fund is in very weak financial condition and has been classified as "critical" by the U.S. Department of Labor. Allied has repeatedly requested information from Local 25 about the financial condition of an alternative Teamster pension plan proposed by Local 25 so that it can be evaluated. Allied hopes the union will provide this information so the parties can make progress.
Burdick said that a team of experienced professional drivers from other Allied facilities are on site and prepared to maintain high-quality customer service if Local 25 orders a strike at the company after June 30.
For more information about Republic Services in the Boston area, visit http://www.alliedwasterevere.com/.
SOURCE Allied Waste Services
