UNDATED (WJRT) -
(10/19/12) - More than 200 waste collection employees wonder what's going to
happen to their jobs after their employer filed for bankruptcy.
Richfield Management in Flint has contracts with nearly a dozen Genesee
County municipalities.
Teamsters Local 332 represents the employees. They will be at a bankruptcy
hearing Tuesday hoping to find out more about their future.
Richfield Management employee Devon Belill and his partner are on their
normal route in Davison Township Friday afternoon. "128 guys, we're all pretty
concerned. It's a lot of mouths, a lot of families. Everything is supposed to be
over Nov. 9. It's unfortunate, but we're hoping for the best," said Devon Belill.
Teamsters 332 Secretary/Treasurer Tim Kennelly said the waste collection
company filed bankruptcy last month. The workers he represents are under
contract until 2014. "Obviously this is a big concern for them and impact their
family, losing a job, nobody wants that."
Kennelly said two companies are interested in buying the business. One is
from Canada. "It's my understanding that they will be bidding on eight contracts
in the Oakland County and city of Warren and the rest including and all the
assets and contracts will be bid on by a Halton Recycling which is an Ontario,
Canada company."
But he doesn't know either companies intentions. All Kennelly can do is hope
for the best possible outcome. "That Halton agrees to continue the business and
honor the contract and Rizzo the same down there."
The bankruptcy hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 23, in Genesee County.
A Richfield Management spokesperson said it's their practice not to comment on
the client's business.
