Greater Boston, September 21, 2025
News Summary
A deal has been reached between union employees and Republic Services, effectively ending an 81-day strike that disrupted trash collection across Greater Boston. The new five-year contract includes a 46% wage increase and improved benefits for the more than 400 workers involved. Local officials and businesses faced challenges during the strike, with overflowing trash in many communities, leading to state intervention. The agreement has received positive reactions from local officials, who recognize the importance of adequate wages and benefits for workers.
Boston — A deal has been reached between union employees and Republic Services, ending a nearly three-month strike that began on July 1. The agreement brings an end to an 81-day work stoppage that had disrupted collection across the region and left officials scrambling to manage public health and safety risks.
Key facts
More than 400 workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 participated in the strike. The collective bargaining agreement is a five-year contract that includes a 46% increase in wages and improved health benefits, including dental, audiology, and vision care. Local 25 President Tom Mari expressed pride in the union’s members for their solidarity during the strike, which lasted 81 days.
Service disruption and immediate effects
Trash collection services have been significantly disrupted across over a dozen communities in Greater Boston, including Canton, Peabody, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Wakefield, Marblehead, Malden, and others. Multiple areas experienced overflowing trash as a result of the strike, prompting state and local officials to intervene. Disruptions in service affected commercial clients in Boston and nearby cities, with some businesses incurring significant costs.
The City of Malden stated that trash collection would resume, but it may take time to return to normal operations due to mandatory retraining of returning drivers. Residents were urged to remain patient as Republic Services works to restore full operations and address service delays.
Negotiations, legal actions and wider response
The strike involved federal mediators and legal disputes over alleged unlawful conduct by striking workers. Six cities and towns filed lawsuits against Republic Services for failing to efficiently manage trash collection during the strike.
The strike sparked solidarity actions across the U.S., with other Teamsters locals striking or halting work in support of the Boston area workers. The agreement was welcomed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who supported the workers during the negotiations and emphasized the importance of adequate wages and benefits. Mayor Ted Bettencourt of Peabody expressed enthusiasm about the resolution, comparing it to the Red Sox winning the World Series in terms of happiness.
Public health and community concerns
The work stoppage resulted in acute worries from local officials regarding the health and safety implications of uncollected trash as schools prepared to reopen. State and local authorities had to coordinate temporary pick-ups, disposal alternatives and guidance to residents and businesses while collection services were limited.
What happens next
Republic Services and municipal partners will need to continue phased restoration of routes and services. Mandatory retraining for returning drivers is expected to slow the return to normal schedules, and towns warned that full recovery of routine collection could take days to weeks depending on backlog and staffing. Residents were urged to follow local guidance on placement and handling of refuse until regular pickup schedules resume.
Financial and operational fallout
Commercial clients and some municipalities reported added costs from alternative disposal and private cleanup. Legal filings by cities and towns assert that Republic Services did not provide efficient service during the stoppage, and lawsuits remain part of the post-strike landscape alongside the new contract and implementation plans.
Background
The strike began on July 1 and involved more than 400 members of Teamsters Local 25. Negotiations moved through federal mediation and public pressure increased as trash accumulated in neighborhoods and commercial districts. The five-year contract approved by union members aims to address pay and benefits concerns that sparked the work stoppage while restoring service continuity across Greater Boston.
FAQ
How long did the strike last?
Local 25 President Tom Mari expressed pride in the union’s members for their solidarity during the strike, which lasted 81 days.
When did the strike begin?
A deal has been reached between union employees and Republic Services, ending a nearly three-month strike that began on July 1.
How many workers participated?
More than 400 workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 participated in the strike.
What does the contract include?
The collective bargaining agreement is a five-year contract that includes a 46% increase in wages and improved health benefits, including dental, audiology, and vision care.
Which communities were affected?
Trash collection services have been significantly disrupted across over a dozen communities in Greater Boston, including Canton, Peabody, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Wakefield, Marblehead, Malden, and others.
Did Malden resume collection?
The City of Malden stated that trash collection would resume, but it may take time to return to normal operations due to mandatory retraining of returning drivers.
Were there legal or federal interventions?
The strike involved federal mediators and legal disputes over alleged unlawful conduct by striking workers.
Were there lawsuits?
Six cities and towns filed lawsuits against Republic Services for failing to efficiently manage trash collection during the strike.
Did the strike prompt actions elsewhere?
The strike sparked solidarity actions across the U.S., with other Teamsters locals striking or halting work in support of the Boston area workers.
Who commented on the agreement?
The agreement was welcomed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who supported the workers during the negotiations and emphasized the importance of adequate wages and benefits.
What should residents do now?
Residents were urged to remain patient as Republic Services works to restore full operations and address service delays.
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Quick reference table
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Greater Boston (including Canton, Peabody, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Wakefield, Marblehead, Malden, and others) |
| Strike start date | July 1 |
| Duration | 81 days |
| Workers involved | More than 400 workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 |
| Contract length | Five-year contract |
| Wage increase | 46% increase in wages |
| Benefits | Improved health benefits including dental, audiology, and vision care |
| Legal actions | Six cities and towns filed lawsuits against Republic Services |
| Operational note | Mandatory retraining of returning drivers may delay return to normal operations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Boston Mayor Faces Challenges with Federal Grant and Trust Act
Massachusetts Closes Hotel Shelters for Families in Need
Boston Mayor Imposes Fines on Trash Collection Company Amid Labor Strike
Additional Resources
- Boston.com
- CBS News
- Waste Dive
- NBC Boston
- WCVB
- Wikipedia: Teamsters
- Google Search: Republic Services trash strike
- Google Scholar: Republic Services contract agreement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: trash collection services
- Google News: Republic Services Teamsters contract
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