Republic Services workers have gone on strike, halting trash pick-ups for Swampscott residents for the rest of the week. Many, however, do not seem too concerned about their building up waste piles.

Union members at the waste collection service are picketing on the North Shore for increased wages, better benefits and more labor protections. Teamsters spokesman Matt McQuaid said he could not disclose specific union demands at this time.

“What we’re asking for is well within reason,” McQuaid said. “It’s something the company can definitely afford, and it’s nothing that’s way out of line with industry standards.”

Republic Services Media Relations told the Swampscott Tides that it provides “our Greater Boston employees with competitive wages, an industry-leading health care plan, pension plan and a generous time-off and holiday plan.”

The strike is affecting residents, businesses and construction sites in 20 North Shore communities. McQuaid warned the strike has the “potential to spread far and wide,” noting a similar action underway in Illinois against the same company.

Swampscott was notified of the union strike Tuesday morning. As of Wednesday, the town said Republic Services “has assured us that they will resume full operations on Monday, July 7.”

“I’m not sure how they’re going to do that,” McQuaid said, emphasizing that the strike is ongoing.

The Swampscott Tides asked pedestrians along Humphrey Street on Wednesday for their thoughts on the trash strike. 

Brittney Martin

“It didn’t really affect us because we’re a Monday pick-up.”

Harvey Kaplowitz

“Hopefully it’ll just get resolved.”

Frank Mancini 

“It hasn’t affected us yet. Our pick-up is on Thursday. We have a garage. We’ll pile it up in there.”

Lana Garcea

“I think it’s bad. It’s very bad. It has a big impact. There’s a lot of trash in my condo.”

Chris Kennedy

“Those things happen, and they’ll work it out. As long as everyone’s happy. There are more difficult things we deal with.”

Peter Jardin

“Trash is on Monday in my neighborhood. Commute-wise on Route 1, coming home wasn’t too bad.”

Sarah Moore

“We don’t produce a lot so we’re ok waiting until next week but if it goes on longer…”

Johnny Nor

“I haven’t seen it change anything really.”