As the Republic Services trash strike enters its third week, residents across Greater Boston are being urged to be patient, neighborly, and cooperative as municipal officials scramble to respond to uncollected waste.
The strike, which began July 1, stems from a breakdown in contract negotiations between the waste collection company and Teamsters Local 25. Many communities have halted curbside recycling collection and instructed residents to place only trash in barrels with tight-fitting lids at the curb. Any overflow must be taken to local transfer stations.
In a new development, Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has called on Republic Services to resolve the strike swiftly. In a letter addressed to Republic Services President Jon Vander Ark, Goldberg emphasized the disruption’s widespread impact.
“Such avoidable disruptions come at a steep price for cities and towns that must manage public health concerns, mounting waste, and unanticipated costs that ultimately fall on local budgets and taxpayers,” Goldberg wrote.
“Massachusetts communities deserve partners who respect the workforce and uphold the standards that keep our neighborhoods clean and our economy strong,” she added. “I expect Republic Services to take swift action to resolve this matter responsibly.”
Republic Services maintains it is continuing to serve all 14 municipalities in Greater Boston despite the strike, though it claims union members have engaged in “violent actions and threats” to block service. The company has agreed to mediation after Teamsters allegedly reached out on July 14, and says it remains ready to negotiate.
The company said 45% of its Greater Boston drivers earned over $100,000 last year, and it covers 100% of medical premiums. Republic stated it offered a 39% wage increase over five years, with a 14% bump in the first year — terms they say surpass industry norms.
Republic also accused the union of damaging trucks, including slashing tires and tampering with fuel systems — allegations the union strongly denies.
Teamsters Local 25 President Thomas Mari accused Republic of “blatantly lying” and failing to return to the bargaining table since July 3.
“We are ready to meet 24/7, seven days a week, just to be clear. Stop playing games and get the deal done,” Mari wrote in a July 10 email to Republic.
In Lynnfield, the Town has formally issued a Notice of Non-Performance and Demand for Remedy to Republic Services, citing the company’s failure to fulfill its contractual obligations.
According to a legal letter dated July 9 from Thomas A. Mullen, Town Counsel for Lynnfield, Republic’s assigned contractor — 623 Landfill, Inc. — has failed to collect recyclables or refuse from certain locations since July 1. The letter outlines the Town’s intent to seek liquidated damages of $150 per missed pickup, per building, and possibly terminate the agreement altogether.
“The Town intends to apply the liquidated damages provision of the Agreement … and pursue through legal action,” the letter states, citing additional costs to taxpayers including hiring alternate trucks and labor, and addressing the crisis with unionized municipal staff.
Lynnfield Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin said the Town is working diligently to keep residents informed via social media and the town website.
“We are doing all we can to see this through and correct any problems that arise,” Curtin said. “Strikers don’t negotiate with us. … They’re not responsible for providing us with any updates.”
He confirmed that, so far, no public health emergencies have been reported despite the accumulating trash.
Mari emphasized that the legal action by Lynnfield underscores the severity of the situation.
“This is more proof that Republic Services has been failing to deliver adequate services during the strike,” he said. “Republic Services has been untruthful to the public and media about the level of service it is providing in these communities.”
As negotiations remain at a standstill, municipalities and residents continue to shoulder the burden of a labor dispute with no immediate resolution in sight.
