Drivers from Teamsters Local 813 were protesting a contract offered by Waste Management Inc., the Brooklyn-based trash hauling company that operates a Peekskill plant for Westchester County.

The strike started in New York City three days ago and protests have now spread to Westchester. Union officials say the main issue in the strike is health insurance. Picketing has also been set up in front of other facilities in the county. Waste Management runs the waste to an energy facility under a contract with Westchester. Municipal and private garbage haulers use the facility on a daily basis. However, county officials say strike is not affecting garbage pick up in the county.

Some picketers say they are willing to pay extra money for health insurance but say the company turned them down.