Lawmakers Urge Company to Return to Table, Respect Workers’ Demands for Fair Wages and Benefits

Text of Letter (PDF)

BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), along with Congressmen Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) and Seth Moulton (MA-06), led all House members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation on a letter urging Republic Services to negotiate in good faith and deliver a fair contract for the more than 400 members of Teamsters Local 25 who have been on strike for weeks. As a parent, caregiver, and former service industry worker, Congresswoman Pressley has long been a dedicated champion for workers and organized labor.

In their letter to Republic Services CEO Jon Vander Ark, lawmakers emphasized the vital role these workers play in delivering essential municipal services across the Commonwealth and called on the company to resume negotiations without delay.

“Every community deserves high-quality municipal services, including waste management, but not at the expense of a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits, especially affordable accessible healthcare coverage, that support your workers, their families, and the communities they serve and contribute to on and off the clock,” the lawmakers wrote. “We strongly urge you to return to the bargaining table in good faith and without delay, to negotiate a contract that reflects the dignity of this work, one that ensures fair pay, quality benefits, and a safe workplace.”

The lawmakers expressed concern over the lack of scheduled bargaining sessions and urged the company to return to the table in good faith to secure a contract that includes fair pay, strong benefits, including affordable healthcare and safe working conditions.

“This contract represents an opportunity for Republic Services to acknowledge the vital role your company, through the sweat equity of your employees, plays in our communities and to bring the wages and benefits in line with the industry standards,” the lawmakers wrote. “The workers stand ready to return to work and continue to be the face of your company in the communities that rely on them—but they have spoken with one voice at the table and on the picket line—they demand that dignity and their ability to provide for their families be the foundation of a new contract.”

Joining Representatives Pressley, Lynch and Moulton in sending the letter are Representatives Richard E. Neal (MA-01), James P. McGovern (MA-02), William R. Keating (MA-09), Katherine Clark (MA-05), Lori Trahan (MA-03), and Jake Auchincloss (MA-04).

“Our elected leaders in Massachusetts have stepped-up more than any other state I’ve ever seen, sticking with us and not backing away at any time during this fight for fairness and equity.  All we want, and will not stop until we get it, is to have the Republic employees represented by Local 25 enjoy the same wages and benefits as the employees represented by Local 25 at Capitol and Star currently have.  Republic refuses to treat its employees with dignity and respect. That’s what this strike is all about.  The 400 Local 25 members at Republic are not going back to work until they get what they deserve, no matter how long it takes.” – Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari.

A copy of the letter is available here.

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