WAKEFIELD — The pro-labor call for an end to the standoff between trash collector Republic Services and the Teamsters union continued yesterday, as members of the all-Democrat Congressional delegation joined in, saying Republic must return to the bargaining table.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, along with Congressmen Stephen F. Lynch and Seth Moulton, led all House members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation in a letter urging Republic Services “to negotiate in good faith and deliver a fair contract for the more than 400 members of Teamsters Local 25 who have been on strike for weeks,” according to a Teamsters’ press release.
Republic employees who are members of the Teamsters Local 25 walked off the job July 1. Republic is contracted to pickup up trash and recyclables in Wakefield, and officials have already taken action against the company for not fully providing agreed upon services.
Since the strike began, the Wakefield DPW has been picking up trash to keep up with collection schedules, although Republic has been doing it too.
A press release from Teamsters Local 25 yesterday states that “As a parent, caregiver, and former service industry worker, Congresswoman Pressley has long been a dedicated champion for workers and organized labor.”
In their letter to Republic Services CEO Jon Vander Ark, lawmakers emphasized the vital role these workers play in delivering essential municipal services across the Commonwealth and called on the company to resume negotiations without delay.
“Every community deserves high-quality municipal services, including waste management, but not at the expense of a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits, especially affordable accessible healthcare coverage, that support your workers, their families, and the communities they serve and contribute to on and off the clock,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly urge you to return to the bargaining table in good faith and without delay, to negotiate a contract that reflects the dignity of this work, one that ensures fair pay, quality benefits, and a safe workplace.”
The lawmakers expressed concern over the lack of scheduled bargaining sessions and urged the company to return to the table in good faith to secure a contract that includes fair pay, strong benefits, including affordable healthcare and safe working conditions.
“This contract represents an opportunity for Republic Services to acknowledge the vital role your company, through the sweat equity of your employees, plays in our communities and to bring the wages and benefits in line with the industry standards,” the lawmakers wrote. “The workers stand ready to return to work and continue to be the face of your company in the communities that rely on them—but they have spoken with one voice at the table and on the picket line—they demand that dignity and their ability to provide for their families be the foundation of a new contract.”
Joining Pressley, Lynch and Moulton in sending the letter are Representatives Richard E. Neal, James P. McGovern, William R. Keating, Katherine Clark, Lori Trahan and Jake Auchincloss.
Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari said, “Our elected leaders in Massachusetts have stepped-up more than any other state I’ve ever seen, sticking with us and not backing away at any time during this fight for fairness and equity. All we want, and will not stop until we get it, is to have the Republic employees represented by Local 25 enjoy the same wages and benefits as the employees represented by Local 25 at Capitol and Star currently have. Republic refuses to treat its employees with dignity and respect. That’s what this strike is all about. The 400 Local 25 members at Republic are not going back to work until they get what they deserve, no matter how long it takes.”