Republic Services and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 announced last Friday that both parties have reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement, ending the strike that first began on July 1.
Republic added that it appreciates the community’s patience during this service interruption and apologized for the inconvenience it caused. It said that it “worked hard to reach a mutual agreement that restores the high level of service expected by customers in Greater Boston.”
“We look forward to our employees returning to work on Monday and quickly resuming normal operations,” Market Vice President for Republic Services Kurt Lavery said. “We will work tirelessly to restore our customers’ trust.”
President of Local 25 Tom Mari said that during the strike, “We never lost hope that we would reach an agreement that would benefit our members.”
Mari added, “We are now ready to return to work and provide the best service possible to Republic customers.”
Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt noted in a press release that regular services will “begin soon,” with schedules set to release in the near future, though no tentative date was given.
“Soon, dump days, bulk item pick-ups, and yard waste collection will resume with schedules announced very shortly. … I want to personally thank you for your patience and perseverance. Let’s all celebrate a cleaner, brighter Peabody,” Bettencourt wrote.
Bettencourt added that he “hasn’t been this happy since the Red Sox reversed the curse and won the World Series.”
Swampscott Acting Town Administrator Gino Cresta shared that sentiment with news of the strike ending.
“I couldn’t be more excited that the strike is finally over, and I couldn’t be more proud of the Department of Public Works staff for the way they dealt with the challenges of the strike,” Cresta said.
Marblehead Board of Health member Tom McMahon said that the town pays for the service and “everyone expects it to deliver on a regular basis. For it to all of a sudden stop can be very difficult.”
McMahon said it was especially difficult for those who are disabled or elderly. However, he noted that Marblehead was luckier than other communities, as it had its transfer station, but the trash strike did put a halt to people’s regular routines.
He added that for some, it was their first time visiting the transfer station, and that maybe they’ll start coming by more regularly.
“Marblehead did a great job,” he said. “I think we did really well.” McMahon also mentioned that the end of the strike came at a good time as winter nears. It means people can go back to leaving their trash at the curb without hassle.
