Sudbury, Ont., commercial waste workers hit the picket lines over pay concerns

Workers in Sudbury's commercial waste division walked off the job Friday as part of a strike over wages.

The 25 members of the Labourers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 493 say Waste Management's pay hasn't kept up with the rising cost of living, and they're seeking increases to bring them in line with workers in other Ontario cities.

While waste collection services for businesses and apartment buildings are affected, residential garbage and recycling pickup continues uninterrupted. That work is handled by a separate division represented by a different union.

"The main issue right now is monetary concerns," said Mike Ryan, business manager for Local 493. 

Ryan said workers are especially frustrated given the cost-of-living increases seen during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"They're not even maintaining anymore with the price of everything," he said. "They have to work more overtime just to maintain what they had pre-COVID."

He added that members are also seeking wage parity with Waste Management employees in cities like Toronto, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Waterloo, arguing that Sudbury is among the company's most profitable operations in the province.

'Respect our picket line'

While Waste Management has brought in managers and workers from outside the region to continue servicing commercial clients, Ryan warned that service quality may suffer.

"There is going to be some slowdown in service," he said. "The members that we represent in the unit are very highly professional."

Picketers were seen Monday blocking a Waste Management truck from entering the facility. 

"There's no legislation at this level that would prevent the employer from bringing in whatever you want to call them, replacement workers or scabs," he said.

"So what our members are doing right now is pleading with those people — saying, 'we're on strike here for causes reasons and please respect our picket line.'"

Ryan said Waste Management presented what they considered a fair and equitable final offer, but when the membership held a ratification vote, it was overwhelmingly rejected. 

In a statement to CBC News, Waste Management spokesperson Jessica Kropf confirmed the strike and said the company remains committed to negotiating in good faith.

"We believe our proposals are fair and competitive," she said. "We are eager to reach an agreement with LiUNA Local 493 that recognizes the drivers' and technicians' many contributions to the company and community."

She added that no disruptions to commercial service are expected and the company is working closely with affected clients.

The City of Greater Sudbury said it does not comment on the operations of private companies but confirmed that residential waste collection is not impacted by the strike.

Currently, the next meeting is open-ended, Ryan said he's ready to return to the bargaining table if Waste Management initiates contact and shows willingness to address the workers' concerns.