Teamsters Local 174 members working for Republic Services in the Seattle area are being urged to attend a key contract demands meeting on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in Tukwila, Washington. Union leaders say the gathering will help set priorities for upcoming negotiations and determine who will represent workers at the bargaining table.
Meeting details
The meeting will take place at the Teamsters Building, located at 14675 Interurban Ave S, Tukwila, WA 98168. It is open to all Teamsters Local 174 members employed by Republic Services, including drivers, mechanics, and other frontline workers covered under the union contract.
According to the notice, the session is scheduled to begin promptly at 9:00 a.m., and members are encouraged to arrive on time to ensure they can participate fully in the discussion and nomination process. The Local 174 hall has been the traditional venue for major contract and strategy meetings involving Republic Services workers in the region.
Focus on contract demands
This gathering is described as a “Contract Demands Meeting,” where members will outline the wages, benefits, and working-condition improvements they want to see in the next agreement with Republic Services. The union says this step is critical to building a clear, member-driven platform before formal negotiations with the company begin.
Workers are expected to raise concerns that are common in solid waste contracts across the country, including pay progression, safety, equipment standards, health care costs, and retirement security. Recent Teamsters campaigns with Republic Services in other states have highlighted disputes over wages and pensions, showing how local demands often tie into a broader national strategy.
Election of the Bargaining Committee
One of the most important actions on December 20 will be electing the Bargaining Committee that will sit across the table from Republic Services during negotiations. The notice stresses that members must be physically present at the meeting to be nominated to the committee or to vote for those who will serve.
Union leaders say a strong, representative Bargaining Committee helps ensure that the diverse roles and routes within Republic’s Local 174 unit are heard during talks. Shop stewards and active members often play a leading role, but the process is open to all eligible members who want to step forward and be directly involved.
Why turnout matters
Teamsters Local 174 is urging “every effort” to attend, emphasizing that robust participation strengthens the union’s position before bargaining even starts. A packed hall signals to the company that workers are informed, united, and ready to stand behind their contract demands.
For many members, the December 20 meeting is not just a calendar appointment but the first real opportunity to shape what their jobs, paychecks, and benefits will look like over the next several years. By showing up, speaking out, and voting, Republic Services Teamsters can help set the tone for negotiations and ensure that their collective voice is front and center in the bargaining process.