According to Robert Morales—secretary/treasurer for Sanitary Truck Drivers and Helpers Local 350—the union met with Green Team, but there was "nothing conclusive," and no proposals or solutions were offered. Morales would not elaborate, but said the union is planning to go to court over the issue.

Problems reached critical mass on Aug. 11 when drivers, sorters and equipment handlers took up picket signs and hit the streets to protest not receiving "prevailing wages" from their employers.

The strike ended shortly thereafter, and the city sent a letter to Green Team/Zanker asking it to notify the city of its intent to deal with the issue. Green Team's contract with Sunnyvale explicitly states that if prevailing wages are ever established in the area being served—as they were on July 23—the contract is obligated to pay them.

A response letter from Green Team's attorneys said it does not share the city's view and proposed a restructuring of the SMaRT Station to meet the demands. Details on the proposal are unavailable because the report contains "trade secrets."