Teamsters say non-union workers running Kent trash drop-offs amid garbage strike

As the garbage strike drags on and work stoppages continue in cities throughout King and Snohomish counties, Republic Services and the Teamsters union are working to move up the date when both sides return to the bargaining table.

The next round of contract talks in Lacey is set for July 30, but Will Zekus, a shop steward for Teamsters, said the company has reached out to agree upon some earlier dates for labor negotiations, though nothing has been finalized.

The lack of curbside garbage pickup follows a labor strike and nationwide work stoppage against Republic Services by members of Teamsters Local 252 in Lacey and Local 25 in Boston.

Some Teamsters organizers who picketed the Kent drop-off location when it was operating on Thursday said Republic Services had resorted to underhanded tactics by bringing in temporary workers, whom they referred to as “scabs,” rather than focusing on resolving the labor dispute by working toward new contracts.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Garbage strike continues as Kent, Bellevue offer new trash drop-off sites for residents
• Bellevue residents haul their own garbage as work stoppage holds up curbside collection
• Boston Teamsters join Republic Services pickets in WA; trash service is delayed a 2nd day
• Trash pickup disrupted in western Washington by Teamsters strike

Republic Services provided a statement, claiming the Teamster pickets “are focused on preventing us from servicing customers, including blocking our collection and disposal facilities. They are also picketing at our drop-off locations, causing delays for residents utilizing this option.”

“Most of these picketers are not Republic Services employees, do not live or work in the Seattle area, and some aren’t even in the waste industry," the company added. "They have been deployed by the Teamsters in Boston with one goal: disrupt service."

Workers in five cities across the country—including Lacey—are currently on strike, but Teamsters in many other locations are united and observing work stoppages until these labor issues are resolved.

A Teamsters spokesperson said they are trying to secure wages for their members that are consistent with the cost of living. They are also pushing for health care coverage that is affordable and accessible, as well as more acceptable work rules.

Republic Services said with the help of non-union employees, the company is collecting trash for most of their commercial customers and all critical locations, such as hospitals, grocery stores, and public facilities in the Puget Sound area. However, "most of our residential customers will experience modified service.”

Drop-off locations have been established in six cities and Republic Services added four more on Friday.

In western Washington, curbside collection is currently disrupted in Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Lynnwood, Edmonds, a transfer station in south Seattle, as well as unincorporated King and Snohomish counties, among other service sites.

Republic Services said customers who live in areas that do not yet have a drop-off location should continue to double-bag their waste and leave it at the curb until regular collection schedules resume.

Non-union management teams and temporary workers are once again staffing Canyon Ridge Middle School in Kent for people who can show up between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday, the collection site switches to the ShoWare Center at 625 W James St in Kent from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Renton also announced 3 temporary garbage collection events over the weekend for single-family customer at Renton Technical College (3000 NE 4th St.):

• Saturday, July 19, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 22, 1 – 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 23, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

If attending an event, attendees need to remember:

Bring garbage in bags. No bulky items or construction waste.

Bring ID, Republic Services bill, or City of Renton utility bill for proof of residency.

Arrive 30 minutes before closing to ensure entry.

Remain in line and in the vehicle unless instructed otherwise by staff in order to assist all residents as safely as possible.

If the event reaches capacity, the event will close early.