I’m a sanitation employee at Republic Companies and a proud member of Teamsters Native 25. Proper now, 450 of my co-workers and I within the Higher Boston space are bargaining for a brand new contract. We’re joined by a whole lot extra of our brothers and sisters in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Washington, who’re collaborating in battles of their very own with this firm.
We’re demanding an settlement that compensates us pretty for our arduous work –– sufficient to dwell on because the cost-of-living skyrockets within the space. Republic is attempting to disclaim us that respect. In negotiations, this multibillion-dollar company has dragged its toes and stalled potential progress somewhat than discount in good religion.
In the event that they stick with it, they could deliver your trash assortment to a halt as quickly as July 1 by pushing us to strike. And will probably be nobody’s fault however Republic’s.
I’ve labored on this business for years, accumulating trash from properties and companies. I’ve managed to lift three kids as a single father on this job. For 16 years, I labored in Peabody for JRM Hauling and Recycling, a small family-run firm that handled us with respect and valued the work we do holding our communities clear.
In 2022, every part modified when Republic Companies purchased out JRM. Together with Waste Administration, Republic is a Goliath. Collectively, the two firms introduced in $38 billion final yr, dominating the waste and recycling enterprise in America.
Republic didn’t develop into a dominant participant within the business by treating employees pretty. I acquired to expertise that firsthand when it acquired JRM. Nearly in a single day, my pay was slashed between $600 and $800 per week. Lots of my co-workers misplaced much more.
It was unacceptable. However not lengthy after Republic acquired JRM, we turned Teamsters. And as members of North America’s strongest union, we are combating collectively for our justifiable share of the big income this firm makes off our backs.
Sanitation is one of the vital harmful professions on the market, and accidents are widespread. Our jobs are powerful and bodily demanding. As a switch station driver, I transfer waste to landfills and incinerators. I’m often strolling by means of waist-deep piles of rubbish. Even with protecting gear, I’ve come house sick after a shift extra occasions than I can depend. We all know how necessary our work is and that we have now earned the higher wages, well being care, and protections we’re combating for.
If Republic Companies doesn’t come to phrases on a good contract by July 1, over 400,000 individuals all through 17 municipalities in Massachusetts — together with my hometown of Malden — might see trash service disrupted. We don’t need this to occur. However we will’t increase households, pay our payments, or someday retire except issues change for the higher.
In the event you discover out that your trash isn’t getting picked up subsequent month, simply keep in mind — it’s as a result of Republic Companies turned its again on all of us.
We’ve supported Massachusetts for years. We ask that you simply assist us.
Mike Ortiz is a sanitation employee at Republic Companies and a member of Teamsters Native 25.
