Teamsters trash collectors in Alpharetta area end months-long strike
The Teamsters union said its members who handle trash collection for Republic Services in the Alpharetta area have ratified a new labor contract, ending a months-long strike.
About 33 workers who handle trash pickup for tens of thousands of Alpharetta residents and for some businesses in a 20-mile radius went on strike in early July, picketing in front of a Republic facility in Cumming.
Republic Services said then that it had planned for the possibility of a work stoppage and had “taken several steps to continue providing service, including securing Republic Services employees from other locations prioritizing routes and optimizing route efficiency.”
But it also apologized to customers for any inconvenience caused by the work stoppage.
Alpharetta city administrator Chris Lagerbloom said in an email that Republic “did a really good job making sure service levels were not diminished in Alpharetta and brought staffing in from other parts of the region and country.”
Republic declined to give details on the labor deal but said the four-year contract “benefits our employees, our customers and our company.”
The Teamsters union said the new contract includes a 17% wage increase over the four-year term and a $1,000 signing bonus.
The contract also includes more vacation days and paternity leave, according to the union.
The strike ended Wednesday, with employees returning to work Thursday.
“We look forward to welcoming back our union-represented employees,” Republic said.
It was the final contract to be ratified after strikes by local Teamsters unions that started in July at Republic sites in Boston; Ottawa, Illinois; Lacey, Washington; Stockton, California and in the Alpharetta area.
The Teamsters said everyone who was on strike “will have the opportunity to return to work,” according to spokesman Matt McQuaid.
‘The company tried to drag out this strike,” said Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien in a written statement.
“Every waste worker in America is now stronger because of Republic Teamsters’ courage, conviction, and willingness to take on this fight,” he said.
About the Author
As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.
