Local trash collection stalled in solidarity with Teamsters strike

Thousands of residents in South Snohomish County are without trash and recycling services this week as Republic Services workers join a nationwide Teamsters strike. The Teamsters union, which represents nearly 8,000 Republic employees across the country, is demanding fair pay and condemning corporate greed. Local union members walked off the job in solidarity with those striking at Republic's Lacey facility. Republic Services has assured customers that it will treat the disruption as a weather-related service issue, promising to double collections on the next scheduled service day. The conflict arises amid ongoing contract negotiations with the union.

Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien stated, “Workers are uniting nationwide, and we will get the wages and benefits we’ve earned. ” The strike affects residents in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Woodway, highlighting the broader implications of labor disputes in the region. As negotiations continue, more strike extensions may occur in the coming days.