Residents of the East Bay are facing challenges as trash accumulates during an ongoing strike at Republic Services. This work stoppage has affected over two dozen cities in the Bay Area, prompting some local communities to implement temporary solutions for garbage collection.
On March 1, 2024, Union City and Fremont established three drop-off locations for residents to dispose of their waste. These sites include the parking lot of the BART station and the Mark Green Sports Center in Union City, along with the Fremont Recycling and Transfer Station. While these initiatives have provided some relief, residents express concerns about the longevity of the strike.
Jose Zepeda, a member of Teamsters Local 439, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s very hazardous, it’s very dangerous. I feel like we deserve a lot more. I mean, we work in the garbage.” The strike, which has involved over 500 workers, is primarily driven by demands for better wages, health insurance, and pensions, with no end date currently in sight.
Steven Adams, a Fremont resident, expressed his frustration: “It’s frustrating from a household point of view, but if it carries on, it will be really annoying.” As of March 1, regular trash collection had not occurred for four consecutive days.
In a statement, Republic Services indicated their intention to resume some residential collection soon, advising customers to leave their containers out for collection. The company is utilizing various communication methods, including text messages and automated phone calls, to keep residents informed.
Despite the temporary drop-off options, the demand for effective waste management remains high. Dean Shough from Newark noted, “Our can is full, but we haven’t needed to put more stuff in it yet. We have three neighbors worth of garbage.” In Union City, a dumpster was promptly replaced by a garbage truck, which filled up within hours, reflecting the urgent need for waste disposal solutions.
Refugio Padilla, a Union City resident, shared his disappointment about the ongoing situation: “I’m a little disappointed, but I understand the situation. I hope it ends soon for the better of the people and for their own good, too.”
In response to the strike, the city of Fremont and its Republic Services branch plan to begin service with substitute drivers over the weekend. Zepeda urged Republic Services to prioritize reaching an agreement with the union instead of relying on temporary solutions. “We’ve been back and forth for almost a year,” he remarked, emphasizing the growing frustration among workers.
The union is advocating for a pay raise of approximately $3 to $4 per hour to keep pace with the rising cost of living. Currently, the company’s latest offer stands at around $0.60, which has not been well received by the union members. The uncertainty surrounding negotiations leaves residents concerned that full garbage service may not resume for some time.
As the strike continues, both residents and workers hope for a swift resolution to restore regular trash collection services in the East Bay and beyond.
