WAKEFIELD — Members of Teamsters Local 25 who work for town trash contractor Republic Services went on strike this morning in Peabody.
A contract with Republic expired Monday at midnight.
Republic Services said, “It is disappointing the union called a work stoppage rather than continue negotiating in good faith. We planned for the possibility of a work stoppage and have taken several steps to continue providing service.”
Communities impacted by the strike include Peabody, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Wakefield, Marblehead, Malden, Topsfield, Saugus, Beverly, Danvers, North Reading, Reading, Lynnfield, Swampscott, Arlington, Watertown and Canton.
Over the weekend, the town released a statement that read, in part, that if Republic is unable to fulfill its trash collection duties, the DPW is prepared to temporarily provide the trash and recycling service “that Wakefield residents expect. The Department has developed a plan to secure equipment and will reorganize its staff to avoid disruption, should it be necessary.
“Over the next week, please ensure your trash and recycling bins are curbside by 7 a.m. on your scheduled day. In the case where Public Works needs to perform residential trash and recycling collection, your actual pickup time may be different from what you experienced in the past. Having your bin out at 7 a.m. will ensure you don’t miss the collection.
“If crews do not collect as expected on your scheduled day, please leave your barrels out and staff will collect as soon as possible. Similarly, bulky items which require a sticker will still be collected though it may not be at the speed at which you are accustomed.
“Again, this plan will only be in effect should Republic not reach an agreement with its staff and only on a temporary basis. The contract negotiations are between Republic and its employees not Republic and the many area communities it services. Our goal is to avoid any service disruption for Wakefield residents. Thanks for your patience as we work through this fluid situation.”
Teamsters Local 25 issued a release Sunday that stated, “Teamsters Local 25 is in contract negotiations with Republic Services, with the current agreement set to expire Monday, June 30. Despite Teamsters Local 25’s several attempts to negotiate in good faith with the company, Republic Services has refused to agree to accept basic community standards – including fair wages, strong health and welfare benefits, comparable working conditions and paid time off.
“More than 400 hardworking members of Teamsters Local 25 provide essential waste and recycling collection services to residents, businesses, and construction sites across many local communities.
“Without a fair agreement by June 30, these communities will face major service disruptions in waste collection – a completely avoidable outcome but only if Republic Services returns to the bargaining table and negotiates a fair agreement that includes good wages and benefits and a safe work environment. Teamsters Local 25 asks community members to contact this highly profitable waste collection giant and urge the company to respect its workers and the vital services they provide to 17 communities.
“Teamsters Local 25 is strike ready and is urging the community to stand together to protect vital public services, support working families, and ensure fairness and respect for the essential workers who serve our cities and towns every day.”