CANTON, Prov. of Grassadellia--It's starting to stink in Canton, POG.
Garbage and sanitation workers are going on strike over wages and benefits, according to the Canton Register.
About 700 workers with Lexar Refuse Co., which is contracted by the City of Canton, are on the picket lines. The strike is in day three, and the trash is piling up.
"It's not a good situation, no," Canton City Administrator Christy Kimball told the Register. "We hope the company and the union will resolve this issue as soon as possible, to avoid health concerns and the unsightly scenes that this is causing."
The union representing the workers, the Grassadellian Transport Workers Union (GTWU), places the blame squarely on Lexar Refuse, saying the company has refused to negotiate a deal with workers.
"Lexar has not stepped up to the plate to do the right thing and give our workers a livable wage and necessary benefits. This is a hazardous job. There need to be certain benefits and appropriate pay increases in place," Tricia Mayer, spokeswoman for the GTWU told the National Press Federation.
Currently, a garbage truck driver that works 40 hours a week makes about $55,000 a year, plus benefits, according to the most recent audit of Lexar's payroll.
The company says they are willing to negotiate pay raises, but workers need to stay on the job.
"We are open to negotiating, but we don't believe a strike is appropriate," Mike Avern, Executive Vice President for Lexar, told Southeast Cable News.
The company is considering bringing in temporary drivers, Avern said.
Some child care centers have been temporarily closed until the dispute is resolved, as to avoid health risks.
The company is hoping to have the issue resolved by Monday.
Garbage and sanitation workers are going on strike over wages and benefits, according to the Canton Register.
About 700 workers with Lexar Refuse Co., which is contracted by the City of Canton, are on the picket lines. The strike is in day three, and the trash is piling up.
"It's not a good situation, no," Canton City Administrator Christy Kimball told the Register. "We hope the company and the union will resolve this issue as soon as possible, to avoid health concerns and the unsightly scenes that this is causing."
The union representing the workers, the Grassadellian Transport Workers Union (GTWU), places the blame squarely on Lexar Refuse, saying the company has refused to negotiate a deal with workers.
"Lexar has not stepped up to the plate to do the right thing and give our workers a livable wage and necessary benefits. This is a hazardous job. There need to be certain benefits and appropriate pay increases in place," Tricia Mayer, spokeswoman for the GTWU told the National Press Federation.
Currently, a garbage truck driver that works 40 hours a week makes about $55,000 a year, plus benefits, according to the most recent audit of Lexar's payroll.
The company says they are willing to negotiate pay raises, but workers need to stay on the job.
"We are open to negotiating, but we don't believe a strike is appropriate," Mike Avern, Executive Vice President for Lexar, told Southeast Cable News.
The company is considering bringing in temporary drivers, Avern said.
Some child care centers have been temporarily closed until the dispute is resolved, as to avoid health risks.
The company is hoping to have the issue resolved by Monday.
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