[olympiaworkers] Update: back to work Teamsters Sanitation Workers

OWLS is an open, multiracial, multicultural group of labor activists
formed to forge solidarity across union lines, and to promote the
unionization of all workers, especially the lowest paid.

For more information: www.organizedworkers.org

From: owls@riseup.net
Date: Fri, April 23, 2010

APRIL 23, 2010

Dear friend,

You have probably already read or heard on the news that Teamsters 174
members who work at Waste Management are back on their jobs after a short
strike action. This means OWLS will not be picketing with Teamsters this
Saturday as it won't be necessary! But do stay tuned and we will continue
to post updates.

Apparently, WMI has promised to come back to the table to negotiate after
failing to ram through a "last and final" contract offer. Clearly, the
community/labor support and power of the sanitation workers to withhold
their labor has made WMI blink. We will all be watching as the next round
of negotiations begins. Until a fair contract is signed and ratified by
the sanitation workers we will remain vigilant and ready to support them
in their efforts to win fair wages and benefits, and safe conditions.

Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity will STILL HOLD OUR MONTHLY
MEETING, TUES. APRIL 27, 7PM AT SEATTLE LABOR TEMPLE (2800 First Ave,
Seattle). Join us for discussion on the Teamsters and efforts by grad
students to win a fair contract, as well as why privatization of public
services is a ripoff of public wealth.

Also, while Teamsters may be back at work, there are still ways to support
them -- and prepare your neighbors and co-workers should they ultimately
have to go on strike again or face a lockout.

In struggle,
Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity
www.organizedworkers.org
OWLS@riseup.net

MESSAGE FROM TEAMSTERS:

Support Teamsters Local 174 in their battle with Waste Management to get a
fair contract! The following are things you can do to support area
sanitation workers:

1. Join the Neighborhood Trash Watch program by visiting
www.seattletrashwatch.com.

2. All concerned citizens should call 1-800-976-0071 (set up by the
Teamsters). Upon calling the number, you will get patched through to your
local elected officials where you can deliver the message: "We need to get
the issue with Waste Management and the Teamsters resolved quickly."
Demand that Waste Management bargain in good faith, return to the table,
and offer a fair contract to its workers.

3. Report missed garbage pickups to 1-800-976-0071. It is important to
report missed pickups; Waste Management will get fined for these service
failures. This reporting of missed pickups will increase pressure on Waste
Management to return to the table.

4. Put up a yard sign up expressing support and advertising the 800 number
to your neighbors. Talk to others about the strike and ask them to report
missed pickups and sign up as a supporter on the website. To request a
yard sign, call 206-441-6060.

Community pressure is the best weapon to help these workers get a fair
contract. Do your part to help resolve the strike today by signing up
online and calling 1-800-976-0071.

Please distribute this email to your networks. Thank you for your support!

Paul Zilly, Communications Coordinator

Teamsters Local Union No. 117

14675 Interurban Avenue South, Suite 307

Tukwila, WA 98168

Office: (206) 441-4860 Ext. 1269

Toll Free: (888) 872-3489 Ext. 1269

Fax: (206) 441-3153

Paul.Zilly@Teamsters117.org

For Teamsters 117 news, visit our website at www.teamsters117.org