City of Pittsburgh trash collectors are threatening to strike days before the All-Star Game if negotiations, which begin in earnest today, don't get off first base.

"We intend to walk out on July 8 unless we have a contract or at least some movement toward a contract," said Teamsters Local 249 Vice President Joe Rossi. "I think there'll be a lot of national attention on Pittsburgh, with the All-Star Game here, and I couldn't think of a better time to do it."

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game is set for July 11 at PNC Park.

Negotiators for the union, which represents 172 refuse collectors, and for the city are to meet today for the first of six scheduled bargaining sessions over three weeks. The workers earn $27,121 to $37,244 a year.

"We anticipate a positive outcome," said city Solicitor Susan Malie, in a written response to questions. "Of course, our negotiations are mindful of the city's financial condition, as well as the ongoing sacrifices of the remaining union and nonunion work force."

Under the city's state-approved recovery plan, all workers face a two-year wage freeze. The Teamsters argue that the 29 months, and counting, that they've worked under an expired contract should count as their freeze.

Mr. Rossi said the union has been trying to get the state-picked Act 47 recovery team to respond to its position on the freeze, but hasn't gotten an answer.

He said he's also waiting for an answer on whether the refuse collectors, and possibly other city workers, can get health insurance through a Teamsters-run plan. The city would pay slightly less under that plan, and workers would get better benefits, he said.

Ms. Malie did not comment on those issues, and Act 47 co-leader James Roberts could not be reached for comment.

The Teamsters' position was bolstered in March by a competitive bidding process for trash collection in the city's South Hills neighborhoods. Collection by the city's Bureau of Environmental Services proved to be $1 million cheaper than by two private haulers, leading Mr. Rossi to conclude that his workers deserved raises.

An extension of the city's contract with its paramedics expires at the end of this month. Paramedics union leaders could not be reached for comment.