By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Trash collection is on a normal schedule this week while the ongoing strike between Republic Services and labor union Teamsters Local 25 enters its sixth week.
In the wake of contract negotiations breaking down between Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25, the union went on strike on July 1. The work stoppage has been impacting municipalities across the North Shore and Greater Boston, and has spread nationwide.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan wrote on the town’s website that “trash will be collected on a regular pick up schedule” this week.
“Please have all items curbside by 7 a.m. on your regular collection day,” Dolan stated.
Dolan also noted that Republic Services will “resume bulk item pick up this week.”
“If you have a large item, you can purchase a bulk item sticker at the DPW (Department of Public Works) Office, 590 Main St., for $10,” stated Dolan. “You may have one bulk item per week with your trash.”
Dolan wrote on the town’s Facebook page that residential trash and recycling drop-off continues to be available at the dumpsters located at the DPW facility behind Town Hall. The facility is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
“Thank you for your cooperation and patience,” stated Dolan.
While DPW employees were collecting recycling on a bi-weekly basis for most of July, Republic Services replacement workers collected both trash and recycling last week.
“We had some struggles, but we finished on schedule,” said DPW Director John Scenna in an interview with the Villager. “We had some ups-and-downs with the operation last week. From my perspective, there was no interruption with service. That has been our goal every week. We are going to be on schedule this week.”
Dolan agreed.
“Republic finished on schedule, which I am very happy about,” said Dolan in an interview with the Villager.
Scenna attributed last week’s collection delays to trucks arriving late and replacement drivers not being familiar with Lynnfield.
“The different drivers and workers don’t know the roads and are using GPS’ that don’t have some streets listed such as the newer ones,” said Scenna. “There was back-and-forth communication about missed stops. Those have been the regular challenges that we have been facing.”
Scenna noted that there is no recycling this week because curbside recycling is collected bi-weekly in Lynnfield.
“Only trash will be collected,” said Scenna. “Everything is on schedule.”
No end in sight
Republic Services and Teamsters Local 25 have not resumed contract negotiations since they last broke down on July 18.
Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari said the union voted to continue the strike during a meeting that occurred on Sunday, Aug. 3. He told the meeting’s attendees that, “Republic has refused to meet with us for more than 15 days, and is disrespecting all of you because they refuse to bring your wages and benefits up to the standards that we established with Capitol and Star.”
“The decision to stay on strike carried by 93 percent,” said Mari in an email sent to the Villager. “It was a fantastic display of commitment after five weeks of the strike. In fact, a larger percentage of employees voted to continue the strike (on Aug. 3) than voted to strike on July 1. Maybe now the company will realize that it’s not just the negotiating committee making these proposals for better wages and more comprehensive health insurance. The vote this morning of overwhelming support to continue the strike will be heard in Phoenix. As I promised the employees, Local 25 will continue the strike until Republic matches what our members already enjoy with Capitol and Star.”
Federal Judge Brian Murphy denied Republic’s motion to reconsider an injunction and a restraining order against Teamsters Local 25 on July 30.
Essex Superior Court Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman also denied Gloucester, Beverly, Malden, Peabody, Danvers and Canton’s request for injunction relief from Republic Services in order to address the health issues from trash not being collected has caused in those communities.
“The court is left with an obvious problem affecting the daily lives of the residents and businesses in the municipalities, but no effective way to remediate it,” McCarthy-Neyman wrote in the decision. “The court cannot resolve the labor dispute between Republic and the Teamsters.”
Mari urged Republic Services to resume contract negotiations with a federal mediator.
“Republic can run to the courts and to the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board), but it can’t hide from the members of Local 25,” said Mari in a July 30 statement. “Teamsters employed at Republic are more united than ever. All the Massachusetts politicians have spoken in one voice telling Republic to negotiate in good faith with Local 25. Even with the risk of losing millions of dollars of business and not having met for 12 days, and with the public outcry screaming for a settlement, Republic still won’t agree to meet.”
Mari concluded: “They know where we are and what we want; the next move is up to Republic.”
Republic Services wrote in a recent statement sent to NBC 10 Boston that the company has offered employees “pay industry-leading wages” as well as to “maintain our zero-premium health care plan with no deductible” as well as providing “industry-leading retirement contributions.”
“The Teamsters have rejected strong proposals without allowing members to review or vote; demanded the ability to force Boston employees to strike over disputes in other states, which would harm our communities; engaged in dangerous and unlawful intimidation tactics; (and) vandalized equipment and physically assaulted our employees,” Republic Services stated.
Congressman Seth Moulton, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Congressman Richard E. Neal, Congressman James P. McGovern, Congressman William R. Keating and Congressman Jake Auchincloss sent a letter to Republic Services CEO Jon Vander Ark on July 29 that urged the company to resume contract negotiations with Teamsters Local 25.
“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 health care 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 added: “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 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,” the lawmakers wrote.
Mari thanked the state’s congressional delegation for supporting Teamsters Local 25.
“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,” Mari wrote in a July 29 statement. “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.”