Trash Strike Update Day 35: Union Reaffirms Strike Vote As Stoppage Nears 6th Week

PEABODY, MA — Nearly six weeks of trash and garbage bags simmering in the summer sun and heat during trash collection disruptions across more than a dozen North Shore and Greater Boston cities and towns brought a sanitation worker strike no closer to a conclusion on Monday as Teamsters Local Union 25 members voted to continue their work stoppage into a 35th day.

Union President Tom Mari said the members voted 93 percent in favor of staying off the job and on the picket lines as municipalities explore "all legal options" against Republic Services for breach of contract.

Mari said it has been 15 days since the company met with union members for a negotiation session.

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"A larger percentage of employees voted to continue the strike today than voted to strike on July 1," Mari said in a statement on Sunday. "Maybe now the company will realize that it's not just the negotiating committee making these proposals for better wages and more comprehensive health insurance.

"The vote this morning of overwhelming support to continue the strike will be heard in Phoenix. As I promised the employees, Local 25 will continue the strike until Republic matches what our members already enjoy with Capitol and Star."

Danvers Town Manager said that the town is joining Beverly, Peabody in looking for financial and other recourse against Republic amid the disruptions.

"Earlier this week, the court dismissed the town's request for an emergency order for injunctive relief to require Republic Services to resume trash and recycling collection in Danvers," she said. "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.

"Our number one priority is the health and safety of our community. We know this disruption has had a real impact on families and businesses across our community, and we want you to know — we hear your concerns, and we're acting on them."

Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt urged the sides to return to the bargaining table to find "a swift resolution that respects the workers and acknowledges the demanding nature of their jobs."

Bettencourt said residents should leave their trash and recycling out on the regular pickup day, but also expect a one- to two-day delay in collection. Peabody was part of the lawsuit and petition for injunctive relief.

"The broader lawsuit against Republic Services will continue as we hold the company accountable for missed trash pickups, public health violations, and costs incurred by the city, including police details," he said.

Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill said in that city, trash is expected to be picked up on the regular day this week, but that recycling remains suspended because of a lack of Republic resources.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)