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It all started May 9th 2024, when the small group of Republic Services Operators and Drivers at the Lacey WA Transfer Station voted in favor of union representation By Teamsters Local 252.
The wants and needs of the group were simple: better safety and equipment standards, affordable health and welfare, and competitive wages. The fight was on from day one. The company did everything they could to convince these workers that they were better off without the union. They deployed every trick in the book; captive audience meetings, scare tactics, promising them the world, getting new equipment and the list goes on. These men saw through it all, stayed united, and ultimately came out on top.
In preparation for negotiations, Teamsters Union Local No. 252 called on area experts from the Joint council (JC 28) and Division experts from the International with decades of industry knowledge and relationships in preparation for fighting the greedy company Republic. After 14 months of with very little movement at the bargaining table the group took a Strike authorization vote. At that point, it was clear that in order to get the respect of Republic Services and show them the level of sincerity and unity there was within the group, the members were going to have to strike and withhold their labor. On July 9th, 2025, Local 252 joined forces with Local 25 (Boston) and extended the strike line north to Republic locations within Locals 117, 174, 38, and 763. All of our brothers and sisters at those locations honored the picket line.
As the trash piles mounted, so did the tension and pressure on Republic Services to do the right thing and get back to the table. Local 252 was not scheduled to meet with Republic Services until July 30th and we were prepared to hold the line until then if necessary. Republic couldn’t take the pressure and fines that were occurring each day that the garbage wasn’t picked up, which lead to the company agreeing to return to the negotiation table Monday July 21st.
Negotiations went well into the morning hours of July 22nd. A first-time contract that shows the members the respect they demand and deserve was negotiated by Local 252 Business Agent and Lead Negotiator Dane Bonnell, Ken Marshall Joint Council 28’s Solid Waste Division Director as Second Chair, Shop Stewards Eddie Coleman and William Zekus as subject-matter experts. Also included were Rick Hicks Joint Council 28’s President and Secretary-Treasurer of Local 174, Marcus Williams Joint Council 28’s Director of Negotiations, Brian Blaisdell Local 252’s Secretary-Treasurer as Negotiation Experts, and Heather Slusher Local 252’s President as negotiation support. This first-time contract secured Union Health Insurance, a competitive base wage, Just Cause, and other protective contract language. Most importantly, they secured the right to a collective voice, a say in the decisions made by the company that affect working conditions and their lives.
All bargaining unit members of the Lacey Republic Services were present for the final presentation of the contract. They voted overwhelmingly to adopt the contract and proudly become Teamsters. This first-time contract was hard fought and won. Shop Steward Will Zekus stated: “This action was necessary, with that said we hope we never have to do it again”. We want to recognize that we did not win this fight alone. It took a lot of work and support from our brothers and sisters from Teamsters Local 25, 38, 58,117, 174, 313, 763, UFCW, Thurston Lewis Mason County Labor Council, Olympia Indivisible, Members of Olympia City Council, Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and community members. Brother Dan Reopelle said, “The strike line was long and hot days, but seeing all the support from the community, other Local Unions and especially from the guys at Local 252 made it a really cool experience”. Shop Steward Will Zekus said “The solidarity was amazing, and the support was phenomenal”. 
This contract is a foundation to be built upon for generations, changing the lives of countless workers to come. These members are proud that their efforts will change not only their lives today but the future as well. Will Zekus concluded by stating “This contract is a step in the right direction, and it has me looking forward to the future.”
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