EVERETT — A number of residential customers in Edmonds likely didn’t get their garbage picked up Wednesday due to growing picket lines by trash collectors that originated in Boston, Massachusetts, more than a week ago.
If workers continue to honor picket lines as expected, service in Monroe and Snohomish could also be affected.
Republic Services collects trash, recycling from residential customers and operates three transfer stations in Snohomish County. On Wednesday, the company referred to the “out-of-market” labor disruption on its Edmonds website.
“Collection services are suspended today due to an out-of-market labor disruption that has caused a work stoppage at Republic Services’ operations in King County and Snohomish County,” the website read. “As with inclement weather service delays, Republic Services will collect double garbage, recycling, and organic materials on your next regularly scheduled service day at no additional charge.”
In a statement late Wednesday, Republic Services said some customers are experiencing temporary service delays because of picketing at Republic Services locations in King and Snohomish counties.
The company is in contract negotiations with the union representing some employees at its Lacey facility and four locations in other areas outside the state, according to the statement.
“We respect the rights of our employees to engage in collective bargaining and are ready to continue discussions with the union to reach agreements that benefit our employees, our customers and our company,” the statement read.
Trash haulers in Snohomish County are not on strike against trash contractor Republic Services, said Matt McQuaid, a spokesman for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Instead, he said they are honoring picket lines against the company that began eight days ago when 450 workers went on strike in Massachusetts. A growing number of collectors represented by different Teamsters unions across the nation, including in Washington state and Seattle, are honoring the picket lines, McQuaid said.
He said the workers in Snohomish County who walked off their jobs, “are showing their solidarity with the strikers.”
No new negotiations are planned with Republic Services, McQuaid said. Workers had been bargaining unsuccessfully with Republic since March.
Randy Diamond: 425-339-3097; randy.diamond@heraldnet.com.
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