Press Releases
Republic Services Teamsters Rally in Atlanta
Teamsters Local 728 Hold “Ready to Strike” Rally at Bankhead Facility
Press Contact: Daniel Moskowitz Phone: (770) 262-4971 Email: dmoskowitz@teamster.org
(ATLANTA) – More than 180 Teamsters at Republic Services rallied today in Atlanta to demand a strong contract. The drivers, helpers, and mechanics are members of Teamsters Local 728. The contract expires July 31.
On July 9, the Local 728 members voted by 95 percent to authorize a strike at Republic Services.
“Republic needs to stop playing games and get serious at the table. We are essential and deserve more from this company. We’re prepared to strike if they don’t get their act together,” said Jeff Rolland, a 37-year driver at Republic Services.
Holding signs that read “Republic Services: Clean Up Your Act,” Rolland his co-workers spoke to supporters about their fight at the company, citing years of concerns at the Bankhead facility. Elected officials and community allies were also in attendance and voiced their support for the essential workers who provide trash and recycling services throughout the Metro Atlanta area.
If workers strike, it will not be the first time Republic Services workers have walked the picket line in Georgia. In 2013 and 2018, workers at hauling yard in McDonough and Cumming went on strike to protest violations of federal labor laws by the company.
Over the last several years, Republic Services has forced high-profile strikes across the U.S., disrupting trash collection and putting communities at risk.
Waste work remains one of the most dangerous jobs in America, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“We are here today to hold Republic Services accountable. Our members are united in this fight and ready to strike if we don’t have a fair deal by July 31,” said Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “Republic only listens when we act. The Teamsters are pushing back against this company’s greed and disrespect.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.2 million hardworking men and women in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.