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Tens of thousands of residents in Thurston County will have their trash service disrupted due to a strike kicking off Wednesday morning, led by a union representing trash collectors.

The strike was announced Tuesday night by Teamsters Local 252, the union representing employees at Republic trash and garbage services. The union stated they are striking to protest “unfair labor practices” and are rallying for improved wages, stronger labor protections, and better benefits.

With the strike, Republic customers in Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Yelm will be impacted, according to . Which specific neighborhoods in these areas have yet to be determined, as of this reporting.

Thurston County strike a part of a growing national movement

The strike is part of a national movement from the union against Republic. Teamsters 252 is set to join unions in California, Georgia, Illinois, and Massachusetts in the strike.

“These workers perform dangerous, high-stakes jobs that protect our communities and environment every single day,” Victor Mineros, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 396 and Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, said regarding the national movement. “They deserve a contract that respects their contributions — not lowball proposals and corporate stonewalling. The company must bargain in good faith.”

Workers could extend picket lines to potentially 3,500 Teamsters nationwide, the union said.

It’s unclear how long the strike could last or how many customers will be impacted.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Contributing:

Follow Frank Sumrall .Ìý³§±ð²Ô»åÌýnews tips here.