Teamsters have won their nationwide strike against Republic Services after members of Local 728 in Cumming, Georgia, voted to ratify a record-setting contract with the multibillion-dollar waste giant.
“The company tried to drag out this strike, torment our members and disrupt communities. But our members never blinked. They stood tall, fought back and brought this corporate giant to its knees. Every waste worker in America is now stronger because of Republic Teamsters’ courage, conviction and willingness to take on this fight,” said Teamsters general president Sean M. O’Brien.
The strike began in early July when Republic Services forced more than 500 Teamsters to walk off the job at Local 25 in Boston; Local 179 in Ottawa, Illinois; Local 252 in Lacey, Washington Local 439 in Stockton, California and Local 728 in Cumming, Georgia.
The national strike and ensuing picket line extensions resulted in a work stoppage for over 2,000 sanitation workers throughout Massachusetts, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Arkansas, Southern California, the Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest.
Republic Teamsters across the country have earned raises of up to 46 percent. In addition to stronger labor protections and improved work rules, many workers secured Teamsters health and welfare benefits that will save them hundreds of dollars a month.
Published October 2025
