REPUBLIC SERVICES AND TRASH WORKERS ARE RETURNING TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE TODAY FOR THE 13TH TIME. TEAMSTERS LOCAL 25 SAYS DOZENS OF REPUBLIC’S NONUNION EMPLOYEES AT MASSACHUSETTS FACILITIES HAVE NOW ASKED TO JOIN.

Republic Services and the Teamsters have been at a standoff since July 1, when 450 local workers went on strike after the union's contract expired. Teamsters are seeking better wages, benefits and stronger labor protections.

The work stoppage, led by Teamsters-affiliated employees demanding contract improvements, has now impacted waste collection in parts of King and Snohomish counties. Republic Services, one of the region’s largest waste haulers, is in contract negotiations with workers at five locations across the state.

A Teamsters spokesperson says the picket lines have moved to the Republic Services location on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, meaning customers will not have their trash picked up.

Teamsters strike affects waste collection in Western Washington, with potential for broader national labor disputes.