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

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.

Earlier this year, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters briefly employed a man whose image was synonymous with the infamous “Unite the Right” rally that brought white supremacists to Charlottesville,

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.

Responding firefighters were met with heavy flames that caused a “significant risk” to the nearby building, according to officials.

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

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 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.

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.