Somerville City Council adopts resolution backing Teamsters Local 25 in Republic Services dispute

The Somerville City Council voted July 10 to approve a resolution backing Teamsters Local 25 in its labor dispute with Republic Services and urged the company to negotiate a new contract.

The resolution, introduced by councilors Klingen, Burnley, Ewen Kampen, Scott, Syed, Wilson and Davis, was paired with a mayoral communication asking Republic Services to seek an expeditious resolution. The council approved both items after public testimony from union representatives and councilors who said they supported the workers.

Bridget Quinn, legislative director for Teamsters Joint Council 10 New England, told the council Local 25 represents about 450 Republic Services employees and said the members demanded “higher wages, affordable and accessible health insurance, and safe working conditions.” Quinn said, “This strike is completely and totally the fault of Republic Services.”

Several councilors spoke in support of the resolution. Councilor McLaughlin, who sponsored Quinn to speak, described Republic Services as a large national corporation and said the council should “speak up” for workers. Councilor Strezzo and others called on residents and customers to express their support for fair bargaining and to pressure the company to return to talks.

The council also approved a separate mayoral communication urging Republic Services to move quickly to resolve negotiations. Council President Lance Davis asked that a copy of the mayor’s letter be circulated to relevant city departments to ensure coordinated city action.

The resolution does not impose any city sanctions or contract changes; it is a formal expression of the council’s position and a request that Republic Services negotiate in good faith.