Agenda Summary
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In support of Teamsters Local 25 in their labor dispute with Republic Services.
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Official Text
WHEREAS: Republic Services is a publicly traded Fortune 500 corporation and the second-largest provider of waste management services in the United States; and
WHEREAS: Republic Services operates over 360 collection facilities, 250 transfer stations, 75 recycling centers, and 200 active landfills, serving more than 13 million customers annually with a fleet of 17,000 trucks; and
WHEREAS: The company has seen significant financial success, including a projected $2.3 billion in free cash flow in 2025 and shareholder returns exceeding 30% for each of the past two years; and
WHEREAS: The frontline workers at Republic Services-those responsible for the day-to-day operations and public health functions of waste and recycling collection-are the backbone of this success; and
WHEREAS: The company’s CEO received total compensation of $12,977,450, which is 159 times the salary of a trash hauler; and
WHEREAS: More than 400 members of Teamsters Local 25 work for Republic Services, providing essential waste and recycling services across Massachusetts, including to our own communities, residents, and businesses; and
WHEREAS: These workers have been bargaining in good faith for fair wages, affordable healthcare, safe working conditions, and adequate paid time off-standards that reflect both the dignity of their labor and the financial success of their employer; and
WHEREAS: Republic Services has failed to meet these reasonable demands and has refused to return to the negotiating table, prompting Teamsters Local 25 to initiate a 24/7 strike until a fair agreement is reached; and
WHEREAS: This labor dispute has resulted in widespread service disruptions across Massachusetts, directly impacting the health and well-being of communities that rely on timely waste collection; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council stands in solidarity with Teamsters Local 25 and expresses its deep frustration that Republic Services, despite its immense profits, refuses to treat its workers with fairness, dignity, and respect; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council calls on Republic Services to immediately return to the bargaining table and reach a just and equitable contract with Teamsters Local 25; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council urges Republic Services to restore full waste collection services without delay, honoring the essential labor of the workers who keep our communities clean, safe, and functioning.