In addition to being a proud member of Teamsters Local 25, I work in sanitation for Republic Services. I’m now negotiating a new contract with 450 of my coworkers in the Greater Boston area. Hundreds more of our brothers and sisters are joining us in struggles of their own with this company in Arkansas, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and Washington.
In light of the region’s rapidly rising cost of living, we are requesting an agreement that appropriately rewards us for our labors and provides us with enough money to survive. We are being denied that respect by Republic. Instead of negotiating in good faith, this multibillion-dollar company has obstructed possible progress and dragged its feet.
If they continue, they may force us to go on strike, which could stop your garbage pickup as early as July 1. And only the Republic will be at fault.
I’ve been picking up trash from residences and businesses for years. As a single parent, I’ve been able to raise three kids at this job. JRM Hauling and Recycling, a small, family-run business that respected us and valued the work we perform to keep our towns clean, was where I worked for 16 years in Peabody.
Everything changed in 2022 when JRM was acquired by Republic Services. Republic, along with Waste Management, is a Goliath. The two businesses combined generated $38 billion in revenue last year, controlling the garbage and recycling market in the United States.
Republic did not rise to prominence in the sector by treating employees fairly. When it purchased JRM, I had the opportunity to witness that firsthand. My weekly salary was cut from $600 to $800 almost immediately. Many of my coworkers suffered further losses.
It was not acceptable. However, we changed our name to Teamsters shortly after Republic purchased JRM. Together, we are fighting for our just share of the huge profits this firm makes off our backs as members of the strongest union in North America.
Injuries are frequent in one of the riskiest occupations in the world: sanitation. Our work is hard and physically taxing. I transport rubbish to incinerators and landfills as a transfer station driver. I frequently walk through trash mounds that are waist deep. I can’t even count how many times I’ve returned home unwell from a shift while wearing protective gear. We have earned the improved pay, health care, and protections we are fighting for because we understand the value of our labor.
Trash collection might be interrupted for nearly 400,000 residents in 17 Massachusetts municipalities, including my hometown of Malden, if Republic Services cannot agree to a reasonable contract by July 1. This is not what we want to occur. However, until things improve, we will not be able to raise families, pay our expenses, or eventually retire.
Just keep in mind that Republic Services abandoned us all if you learn that your trash won’t be taken up the next month.
For years, we have backed Massachusetts. Please lend us your assistance.
Mike Ortiz is a member of Teamsters Local 25 and works in sanitation for Republic Services.
