Local garbage strike heads into second week, mediation talks resume Tuesday

Republic Services workers in South Snohomish County are striking, leaving thousands without trash and recycling collection for over a week. The strike commenced on July 11, affecting residents in Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Woodway. Despite Republic Services' promise of double pickups, no service has resumed as of July 14. Mediation talks are set for July 15, with hopes for resolution. The Teamsters union, representing nearly 8,000 Republic workers nationwide, demands fair pay and benefits, condemning what they describe as corporate greed.

Republic Services aims to address critical business services first before returning to residential pickups. Residents are concerned about billing for missed services, but the company plans to resolve these queries later. Union leaders, including General President Sean M. O’Brien, stress the importance of worker solidarity in demanding better wages and working conditions.