Teamsters Strike at Republic Services Spreads, Intensifies

Republic Services trash and recycling workers, represented by Teamsters Local 25, have voted by a 93% margin to continue their strike, now lasting over five weeks and disrupting service in more than a dozen Massachusetts communities. The union seeks pay and benefits comparable to industry competitors and claims that Republic has refused to negotiate for over two weeks, even as affected municipalities pursue legal action. Republic Services asserts it has enough staff to maintain operations and has offered significant pay increases, which the union rejected as insufficient. The strike's effects have spread, sparking brief solidarity work stoppages among Teamsters in Ohio. Some communities have appealed to major shareholders, including Bill Gates, for intervention. State officials, including Governor Maura Healey, continue to urge the company to return to negotiations, but no talks are currently scheduled.