The City of Burien has followed the example set by the City of Seattle and sent a stern letter today to representatives of Waste Management urging the company "to return to the negotiating table immediately... before the service disruption that has already commenced escalates from inconvenience into a threat to public health and safety." 

The letter, signed by City Manager Mike Martin, states that the significant compensation disparity between garbage and recycle drivers "does not reflect the City of Burien's stated commitment to the environment, sustainability and support of family-wage jobs."

The letter concludes with the following remark:  "...we do not wish to exercise the liquidated damages clause in our contract... but we will not hesitate to do so if it is necessary."

View a PDF of the City of Burien to Waste Management here.