Overview

• Teamsters Local 25 sanitation workers have halted trash and recycling collection in 14 Massachusetts communities since July 1 to press for higher wages and benefits.
• Federal mediation collapsed after Republic Services declined to agree to further negotiating sessions, extending the 17-day strike.
• Attorneys in Lynnfield and North Reading issued non-performance notices last week, and six towns led by Beverly filed for injunctive relief in Salem Superior Court.
• Peabody city council members sent a letter to Bill Gates, urging the major Republic Services shareholder to leverage his influence for renewed talks.
• Residents and community groups have organized interim solutions like Canton Little League’s fee-based pickups to manage mounting garbage.