MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - As a private waste hauler and the union representing 180 striking employees try to resolve a strike, a gunshot has been fired.
No one was hurt in the Tuesday morning incident at the Republic Services/Allied Waste Services facility in Millington on the second day of the work stoppage affecting about 37,000 city customers.
Memphis company manager Roger Lawrence released a statement saying an employee reported to work and felt threatened by picketers.
"Firearms are strictly prohibited on our property. As a result, the employee was immediately suspended as we work with the police to fully investigate this incident. Republic has and will continue to take all reasonable steps to protect our employees," Lawrence stated.
The company began pickups Tuesday at hospitals and other high-priority business customers.
The Teamsters Union says changes to the pension plan and overtime work are issues to be resolved.
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