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Trash strike: Judge denies towns’ injunction request, still no negotiations planned
Teamsters employed by Republic Services have been on strike for a month. There is still no end in sight.
Thirty days ago, unionized workers for waste removal company Republic Services initiated a strike that has yet to resolve. As the workers demand better wages and labor protections, communities around Massachusetts are left struggling with overflowing dumpsters and more headaches.
Trash strike:
Six of those municipalities recently filed a complaint for injunctive relief against Republic in Essex Superior Court, arguing that the company is shirking its contractual obligations.
But Republic picked up a win Monday, when Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman ruled against Beverly, Malden, Gloucester, Peabody, Danvers, and Canton. Although there is an “obvious problem” affecting residents in these communities, the court has no effective way of remediating it, she wrote in court documents.
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“The court cannot order the injunctive relief sought by the Municipalities, as such an order would be too vague and ambiguous to survive a claim for contempt, and it would likely be impossible for Republic to comply,” McCarthy-Neyman wrote.
The communities had asked the court to order Republic to immediately provide all contracted services, including curbside trash and recycling pickup. Public health officials in each of the six communities submitted affidavits with details about the odors, pests, and other adverse conditions being created by the disruptions in service. But McCarthy-Neyman notes in her ruling that the communities make no mention of the strike, which is being led by Teamsters Local 25.
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In court documents and public statements, Republic maintains that it is doing everything in its power to keep waste removal services running smoothly. Republic brought in non-union workers, including those from other areas, to fill the gaps. But reports of delayed or missed pickups have been frequent in recent weeks.
Republic also claims that picketing workers are actively impeding operations. In a separate lawsuit brought by Republic against Teamsters, the company alleges the striking workers have engaged in a range of criminal activity.
“We believe that Judge McCarthy-Neyman got it right. We again call for an end to Teamsters Local 25’s continued unlawful conduct, including the repeated blocking of our trucks out on the road and at service stops, which is causing service delays for our customers. We will continue to work with all communities impacted by Teamsters Local 25,” Republic said in a statement Wednesday.
The Phoenix-based company is a major player in the industry, bringing in about $16 billion a year in revenue. It handles municipal trash collection for 14 communities in Massachusetts, but commercial customers in many more Massachusetts locations are also being affected.
More than 10 negotiating sessions have been held between Republic and Teamsters, including some with the help of a federal mediator. But both sides accused the other of operating in bad faith, and talks stalled earlier this month. There are no negotiation sessions currently scheduled, Republic confirmed.
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Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari said in a statement Monday that Republic is refusing to meet.
“Republic’s inability to perform its obligations to the cities and town with which it has contracts is evident by the lawsuits and fines these communities have filed against Republic.” he said. “We will stay on strike until this multi-billion dollar company comes to the bargaining table with a fair and equitable proposal.”
Some of the state’s most prominent elected officials, including Gov. Maura Healey, voiced their support for the Teamsters and attempted to pressure Republic to strike a deal. Last week, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the city would begin imposing fines on Republic, saying that the company’s inability to pick up waste is taking an “unacceptable toll” on residents and businesses.
When reached for comment Wednesday, Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga told Boston.com that the legal action brought by the six communities against Republic was meant to send a “strong message” to the company.
Some trash pickups have been delayed, he said, and Republic has not collected any recycling in Gloucester since the strike began. The city is one of many that is telling residents that they can bring waste to municipal facilities for disposal. Verga is eager to see the labor dispute resolved.
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“We’re just concerned that Republic and Teamsters just aren’t at the table. I’m not an expert, but I assume if you’re not at the table talking, you’re not going to reach an agreement,” he said.
Verga is planning to speak with leaders in the other five communities to strategize about further legal action, he said, but nothing has been decided.
“While we are disappointed with the court’s decision, we respect the process and want to assure our residents that this is not the end of our efforts. We remain committed to resolving this situation as quickly as possible and are actively exploring all legal options and operational alternatives,” Danvers officials said in a statement.
Residents there are seeing a “notable improvement” in trash pick up times, but recycling services are still “inconsistent.” There are no bulky item and yard waste removal services.
“While we are hopeful for continued progress, it’s important for the public to understand that the situation is continuously evolving. As we approach the opening of schools and the change of seasons, new challenges may arise. We continue to urge both parties to return to the negotiating table and reach an agreement,” Danvers officials said.
Leaders in Beverly, Canton, Malden, and Peabody did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.
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