Press Releases
Teamsters Win Nationwide Sanitation Strike Against Republic Services
Waste Workers Secure Record Pay and Benefits After Monthslong Work Stoppage
Press Contact: Matt McQuaid Phone: (771) 241-0015 Email: MMcQuaid@Teamster.org
(WASHINGTON) – Teamsters have won their nationwide strike against Republic Services after members of Local 728 in Cumming, Ga., voted to ratify a record-setting contract with the multibillion-dollar waste giant.
“Republic’s greed and arrogance were no match for Teamsters’ strength and solidarity,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The company tried to drag out this strike, torment our members, and disrupt communities. But our members never blinked. They stood tall, fought back, and brought this corporate giant to its knees. Every waste worker in America is now stronger because of Republic Teamsters’ courage, conviction, and willingness to take on this fight.”
The strike began in early July when Republic Services forced more than 500 Teamsters to walk off the job at Local 25 in Boston; Local 179 in Ottawa, Ill.; Local 252 in Lacey, Wash.; Local 439 in Stockton, Calif.; and Local 728 in Cumming, Ga.
The national strike and ensuing picket line extensions resulted in a work stoppage for over 2,000 sanitation workers throughout Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Southern California, the Bay Area, and the Pacific Northwest.
“Jon Vander Ark and his cronies wasted tens of millions of dollars and harmed countless communities in a failed attempt to undermine our members,” said Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Fred Zuckerman. “Despite Republic’s moral bankruptcy, our members fought back and made this greedy company regret every single day of this strike.”
Because of their militancy and unity, Republic Teamsters across the country have earned raises of up to 46 percent. In addition to stronger labor protections and improved work rules, many workers secured Teamsters health and welfare benefits that will save them hundreds of dollars a month.
“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of every Republic Services Teamster who took part in this strike,” said Victor Mineros, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division. “Republic is one of the nastiest corporations in America. Thousands of Teamsters took them on and showed what we’re made of. Now they are reaping the rewards.”
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.