SNOHOMISH COUNTY — Garbage and recycling service will not be interrupted in Marysville and Arlington — for now.
A union that represents garbage haulers in the two cities has not agreed to a new labor contract, but its members are not striking.
According to Waste Management officials, the two parties signed a “no strike agreement” and will continue to work on a contract.
Teamsters Local 174 had previously voted to authorize a strike if an agreement was not reached between the union and the corporation by Thursday, April 1.
All drivers reported to work as usual on Thursday morning, and were slated to provide all scheduled services customers, said Jackie Lang, spokesperson for Waste Management.
Negotiations were scheduled to resume Thursday afternoon.
“We are happy that talks are continuing and look forward to participating in a full day of bargaining focused on a deal,” Lang said.
Cities that contract with Waste Management were notified of the ongoing negotiations early Thursday morning. Arlington Public Works Director Jim Kelly, as well as members of the Arlington City Council and Mayor Margaret Larson, received an e-mail from Waste Management officials at 2:59 a.m.
The cities of Arlington and Marysville both contract with the garbage and recycling provider. All residents who live within the cities of Arlington and Marysville are required to subscribe to recycling services provided by Waste Management.
Garbage pickup is also provided by the company to those who live in all of Arlington. The city of Marysville collects garbage from all residents who live in the city limits with the exceptions of the Sunnyside and central annexation areas where the garbage is collected by Waste Management.
The company serves more than 1 million Snohomish and King county residents, including customers who live in Seattle, Auburn, Bothell, Burien, Federal Way, Kent, Newcastle, Maple Valley, Renton, Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Duvall, Carnation, Mill Creek Darrington and Granite Falls.
Numerous unincorporated areas in both counties are also covered through Waste Management.
