Seal Beach, CA – Trash, recycling, and compost collection has hit a standstill in various regions of Southern California as Republic Services workers have joined in a nationwide strike. This work stoppage comes as local employees express their solidarity with Teamsters Local 439 in Stockton, who are calling for better pay, improved health insurance, and enhanced pension benefits.
While Republic Services workers are not officially on strike themselves, they view working during this time as akin to crossing a picket line. The strike, which began in Boston with over 400 trash collectors walking off the job, has since spread to other cities including Philadelphia, Illinois, and Atlanta.
In California, Republic Services employees commenced picketing earlier this week, brandishing signs that read, “Hold Your Nose.” The protest is meant to draw attention to the unsafe working conditions and inadequate pay that the union members are facing.
In Garden Grove, trash and recycling bins were overflowing with debris from Fourth of July celebrations as trash truck drivers ceased operations. Republic Services has contracts with numerous cities across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego counties, in addition to much of the Bay Area.
Residents of Seal Beach have been similarly affected, experiencing delays in their regular trash pickups since the workers began striking. The city’s officials acknowledged the garbage collection disruption and stated on social media that the delays would be at least one day.
“Services are expected to resume within 1-2 days,” they said, thanking residents for their understanding and patience during this unexpected situation.
Cities around the state are exploring alternative solutions for waste collection. Some have implemented additional trash pickup days on Saturdays, while others are looking into establishing temporary public debris pickup sites, according to reports from Coastside News.
Negotiations between the unions and Republic Services do not appear to have made significant progress, raising the possibility that the strike could persist for days or even weeks. Meanwhile, local residents are navigating the challenges of excess waste, with some contemplating trips to the dump or seeking alternative disposal methods.
David Villarreal, a California resident, shared his frustration, stating, “We put our garbage out today thinking they were going to pick it up, but apparently they went on strike in support of Stockton. What can I do? At some point, this garbage needs to get thrown away so it doesn’t get piled in the street.”
Organizer Sal Abrica indicated that workers in San Diego are also refusing to cross the picket line to show their support for the Stockton workers who are demanding better compensation and working conditions. Abrica described the situation as a collective effort, stating, “As we share the same employer, Republic Services, the Chula Vista Local 542 unit is honoring the strike line from workers in both Boston and Stockton.”
The impact of this strike extends across all services provided by Republic Services. Matthew McQuaid, a spokesperson for the Teamsters International, emphasized the responsibility of Republic Services in the situation. He remarked, “Everything that is happening is the company’s fault. It’s their fault that we’re on strike; it’s their fault that picket lines have been extended; it’s their fault that people’s trash hasn’t been picked up.”
McQuaid further asserted that the resolution lies with the company. “The ball’s in their court. They can end this all by offering a fair deal tomorrow,” he stated.
In response to the ongoing situation, Republic Services acknowledged that they are in negotiations with the union representing some of their employees at Forward Landfill. In a statement, the company noted that workers are currently engaged in a temporary work stoppage and that this has led to service delays for various customers.
Republic Services expressed its commitment to adjusting operations to minimize service disruption during this crisis, while also apologizing to customers for the inconvenience caused.
As the situation unfolds, residents and workers alike are hoping for a resolution that addresses the pressing issues at hand, making it imperative for negotiations to resume swiftly.
image source from：patch
