Local News

Republic Services strike disrupts trash pickup for hundreds of thousands in Boston area

On Tuesday, about 450 workers walked off the job as contract talks stalled.

Jonathan Wiggs / The Boston Globe, File

updated on July 5, 2025

2 minutes to read

A strike by Republic Services workers has disrupted waste collection for hundreds of thousands of customers across the Boston area.

The strike began shortly after midnight on Tuesday, when a current contract expired, and it involves 450 Republic Services workers represented by Teamsters Local 25.

The Republic Teamsters are demanding improved wages, benefits, and stronger labor protections.

Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said the waste corporation refuses to give workers a fair deal, pushing them to the picket line.

“If your rubbish is piling up on the Fourth of July, remember who’s responsible for it: the white-collar criminals who run Republic Services,” he said in a statement.

O’Brien continued, “Republic Teamsters didn’t start this fight, but we will finish it. Our members will do whatever it takes to finally get the respect they’re owed.”

Republic Teamsters say picket lines could extend nationwide, resulting in a work stoppage of over 3,500 workers, as similar contract disputes play out.

“This fight isn’t just in Boston,” said Victor Mineros, director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division and the Teamsters Western Region international vice president.

“From California to Massachusetts, Teamsters nationwide are dealing with the same problems with this company,” he said. “If Republic doesn’t get its act together quickly, we will make an example of this employer for its mistreatment of our members. American workers deserve better.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Republic Services issued a statement in response to the strike. It said it was disappointed that the union called for a work stoppage rather than continuing negotiations.

The company said it already provides its employees competitive wages, health care, pension, and time-off and holiday plans. It also said it entered negotiations with the intention of raising wages.

The waste management company is taking several steps to continue to provide service, including securing Republic Services employees from other areas, prioritizing routes, and optimizing routing efficiency.

Customers may experience a modified service schedule, according to Republic Services, who said it would communicate any changes to customers.

On Tuesday morning, the Town of Canton told residents there would be no trash or recycling pickup for at least a day. “Republic Services has informed the Town that it anticipated the possibility of a work stoppage and is currently mobilizing relief drivers to resume collection services in the coming days,” the town said.

Republic Services is a public company that provides service to over 13 million customers in 1,000 locations in North America. The company employs about 42,000 people.