Unifor workers at Waste Management Canada Corporation in Stoney Creek have been striking for almost a week now.

They’re drivers, mechanics, and technicians servicing commercial businesses in Hamilton, Niagara, Brantford, and surrounding regions.

There are 60 workers striking in total, and the union says they are out here because they are constantly forced to work overtime and don’t have a work-life balance.

Vice President of Unifor Local 4268, Paul McKee says, “It’s about respect in the workforce.”

Outside Waste Management on McNeilly Road, workers hold flags demanding better working conditions. They’ve been there since last Thursday.

The union says they are often forced to work overtime, which is hurting workplace morale.

The union is also demanding fair wages and pensions, improved working conditions, and respect.

The union says Waste Management is now getting managers within the company to go out and do their job. They say they’re concerned about the safety of that solution.

“They haven’t had no route training, they’re unfamiliar with the sites, they don’t have the same kind of training our individuals have,” McKee says.

Waste Management confirmed with CHCH News that they do have workers currently providing service that the 60 workers on strike normally would be.

“We are using all available resources as we work hard to service our customers to the best of our abilities during this time,” they say.

The union says there were 8 days of negotiations over 1 month ahead of the strike.

McKee says, “They’ve had really no intention to look at us and negotiate a fair contract for this. We want them back at the table.”

Meanwhile, Waste Management says it is optimistic that it will reach an agreement soon.