Michigan landfill workers go on strike

Nineteen union workers at the Arbor Hills Landfill in Northville, Michigan, went on strike Oct. 9, 2017, according to a report from Crain’s Detroit Business.

The employees say they are protesting unfair business practices. According to the article, the union representing the workers, Operating Engineers 324, said landfill owner Advanced Disposal Services Inc., Ponte Vedra, Florida has refused to negotiate a new contract in good faith.

On its Facebook page, Operating Engineers 324 posted, “We stand united with our brothers at Advanced Disposal who went on strike this morning to protest unfair labor practices. This comes after #OE324 has been trying to negotiate a fair contract with the company for a year, even as Advanced Disposal racked up a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) violation.”

The landfill workers overwhelmingly voted to unionize in August 2016, and according to OE 324, Advanced Disposal workers have been picketing the company since August this year. The 19 employees are reportedly heavy equipment operators and technicians.

Each side has submitted a proposal. The union is saying the strike will continue indefinitely until Advanced Disposal is ready to return to the negotiations table.