Waste Management workers hit picket line outside company’s headquarters in Camden, New Jersey

CAMDEN, NJ (WPVI) — Some workers went on picket Wednesday in Camden, New Jersey instead of hauling garbage.

Waste management workers are demanding a new contract with higher wages.

The strike began at 3 a.m. in front of the company’s headquarters. More than 100 unionists say they just want a fair contract and fair pay.

Striking workers want to be out here for as long as it takes and until the contract is settled.

“We pick up trash, we don’t want to be treated like trash,” said Kevin Robinson, a member of Teamsters Local 115 and a 10-year waste management driver

That’s the message as more than 100 members of Teamsters Local 115 traded their daily garbage chores and trucks in Camden County for pickets.

“You have no sympathy for these guys out here. Simple stuff,” said Robinson.

The union is demanding insurance, fair wages, bereavement leave and 401,000 matches – all things workers say they can’t get.

Robinson says they just want to be treated fairly.

Contract negotiations began in October.

“We should have had a contract. We went back on Tuesday, trimmed it down and tried to fix the problem before we got out here. They looked at it and pretty much said no,” Robinson said.

Waste Management say they are disappointed it has come to this.

In a statement to Action News, the company says, in part, “WM of New Jersey remains committed to the collective bargaining process and we hope that common ground can be reached with the union and our employees soon.”

Waste Management also says they have plans to ensure collection services continue with minimal short-term service disruptions or delays.