Local communities have expressed growing dissatisfaction due to the ongoing disruption of trash collection services, as the Teamsters’ strike against Republic Services enters its fourth week.
Six Massachusetts communities — Gloucester, Beverly, Malden, Peabody, Danvers, and Canton — have jointly filed a complaint in Salem Superior Court seeking injunctive relief to mitigate the public health issues arising from the strike.
The Peabody City Council is undertaking additional measures by formally requesting Bill Gates’ intervention.
“We respectfully urge you to utilize your influence as the principal of Cascade Investment, LLC, a significant shareholder of Republic Services, to undertake immediate and constructive action,” the council stated in a formal letter.
“I am uncertain if he is even aware of the situation. He is a proponent of environmental causes, contributes billions of dollars to various initiatives, and this constitutes a substantial issue,” said City Councilor David Gamache.
As the strike persists, at least two municipalities are contemplating the termination of their contracts with Republic Services. Last week, legal representatives for Lynnfield and North Reading dispatched non-performance notices to the company.
Other towns are implementing innovative solutions to manage the impact on residents. In Canton, for a donation of $20, the Canton Little League will collect refuse and transport it to the landfill.
Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill confirmed the City intends to pursue financial penalties against Republic Services.
The City has also formally notified Republic of Beverly’s intent to assess liquidated damages for uncollected and/or delayed trash and recycling services, and these amounts will be deducted from the subsequent scheduled payment.
The company and the union convened for discussions Tuesday. However, the negotiations concluded with both parties accusing each other of engaging in bad-faith bargaining.
Republic Services stated, “At the conclusion of negotiations on Tuesday, we offered to meet on Friday to continue our discussions. Teamsters officials declined the meeting.”
The company added that on Wednesday, the mediator informed Republic that the union “reconsidered and is now willing to meet on Friday.”
“We anticipate the Teamsters will arrive prepared to achieve an agreement beneficial to all parties,” Republic stated.
On Thursday, Gov. Maura Healey urged the waste disposal company to finalize an agreement to end the strike.
“It has now been three weeks without trash collection in several Massachusetts communities, and this situation has escalated beyond an inconvenience for residents, businesses, and municipalities — it poses a public health concern and incurs significant costs for everyone involved. Sanitation workers perform essential duties to maintain the cleanliness and health of our neighborhoods, and they are entitled to equitable wages, benefits, and protections,” Healey said.
“Republic Services must engage in negotiations and reach a fair agreement. It is imperative to restore workers to their positions and resume services to our communities expeditiously,” she added.
