Members of Teamsters Local 25 at Republic Services have entered the first week of a strike, following a vote that passed with over 90 percent approval. The action comes after Republic’s refusal to match wages and benefits negotiated by Local 25 with Capitol Waste and Star Waste Systems, key competitors in Eastern Massachusetts.
Thomas G. Mari, President of Local 25, emphasized the workers’ unity: “This strike is all about fairness, equity, and maintaining the area standards established by Local 25,” he said. He noted the workers’ commitment to securing equal pay and benefits as those employed by other companies for similar roles.
Despite its significant financial performance — including $16 billion in revenue for 2024 and returning $1.18 billion to shareholders — Republic Services has not agreed to match its competitors’ compensation packages. The company acknowledges its wage schedule lags behind competitors and that its health insurance plan lacks comprehensiveness compared to others enjoyed by Local 25 members.
Mari stated that the strike will persist until Republic aligns with industry standards: “The strike will take as long as necessary to make certain that Republic Teamsters get what they’ve rightfully earned,” he said. “We’re not looking for Republic to pay more than others. We just want them to meet the standards we’ve already established in Greater Boston.”
Similar issues are reported elsewhere; Teamsters at Republic’s Ottawa, Illinois operation initiated a strike shortly after Local 25’s action began. There is potential for nationwide picket lines affecting over 3,500 Teamsters if resolutions are not reached.
Mari reiterated their resolve: “Republic has to realize that our members are fully committed to this effort,” he stated. “This strike will end when Republic comes to its senses and agrees to bring pay and benefits up to the industry standard.”
Teamsters Local 25 serves more than 13,000 members across greater Boston and southern New England.
