Republic Services has stated its commitment to reaching a strong labor agreement that benefits both employees and customers, while also maintaining service during the strike. The company claims that the Teamsters are hindering these efforts.

The Teamsters hired Peter Cytanovic for an administrative job at the union’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., before firing him during his probationary period, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. The union was unaware of Cytanovic’s past when he came onboard, the source said.

As the garbage strike drags on and work stoppages continue, Republic Services and Teamsters are working on returning to the bargaining table.

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 union says the Teamsters have bought only 10% of the promised vehicles, but the company says it remains committed to the agreement.

Teamsters union leaders have publicly endorsed President Trump's proposal for tariffs on overseas film production. The union cited concerns about outsourcing of American film jobs as studios seek cheaper alternatives abroad.

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.

The so-called “Driver Voluntary Severance Plan” is the latest part of the company’s jobs massacre, including plans to eliminate 20,000 jobs this year.

Since the strike began on July 1, residents in 14 municipalities have experienced service disruptions, as have businesses and property owners elsewhere that contract with Republic.