Waste Management workers hit picket line in Camden, New Jersey
"We pick up trash, we don't want to be treated like trash," a union member said.
CAMDEN, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Some workers were walking the picket line in Camden, New Jersey on Wednesday instead of hauling trash.
Waste Management workers are demanding a new contract with higher pay.
The strike began at 3 a.m. outside of the company's headquarters. More than 100 union workers say they just want a fair contract and fair pay.
"We pick up trash. We don't want to be treated like trash," said Kevin Robinson, a member of Teamsters Local 115 and a waste management driver for 10 years.
Contract negotiations began in October. The current contract expired Tuesday night.
"It's like we're out on an island. No communication with us. We were faithful to this company through a pandemic and here we are, just wanting to negotiate," said Waste Management employee of 11 years, Joe Gallagher. "We're ready to work. It's up to them. Ball's in their court."
Their strike impacts the residential areas of Camden, Winslow Township and Haddonfield Township.
Waste management insists a strike by workers will not impact trash pickup.
In a statement to Action News, the company says:
"Although we are disappointed the Union has chosen to strike rather than to continue with good faith negotiations, we have plans in place to ensure collection services continue with minimal short-term service disruptions or delays. WM of New Jersey remains committed to the collective bargaining process and we are hopeful that common ground can be reached with the Union and our employees soon."
The Mayor of Camden, Victor Carstarphen, also tells Action News he has instructed his team to work with Waste Management to ensure that the City of Camden's solid waste and recycling needs are met in 'a timely way.'
"We didn't want to be here. We should've had a contract. We went back Tuesday, shortened it down, tried to get this resolved before we came out here. They looked at it and pretty much said no," Robinson said. "We're not asking for these big huge raises. They have no compassion for these guys out here."
Striking workers plan to continue until the contract issue is settled.
