Update to Manchester Residents on the Republic Strike

Many communities affected by the strike do not have a transfer station, so we are grateful to be able to provide this option for residents. Beyond curbside collection services, the DPW has also closely monitored issues with Town dumpsters serviced by Republic.”

Editor’s Note: On July 1, a strike by approximately 450 regional members of Teamsters Local 25 against Republic Services, the contractor for Manchester’s municipal trash and recycling, began after labor negotiations broke down over wages, benefits, and working conditions.  The strike continues, and Republic has been providing limited service with the use of out-of-state workers. Below is an update on the strike for Manchester residents by Town Administrator Tony Barletta and MBTS DPW Director Chuck Dam. 

 We are writing to provide an update on the status of curbside trash and recycling collection in light of the ongoing labor strike affecting our contracted vendor, Republic Services and the Teamsters Local Union 25. 

As many are aware, Manchester-by-the-Sea, along with 14 other communities across the region, has been significantly impacted by the strike. This unforeseen labor dispute has caused major disruptions in our regular collection schedule.  We recognize the frustration and inconvenience this has caused and want to assure you that the Town is actively working to manage the situation and keep residents informed. 

Since the strike began on July 1, we have experienced inconsistent and delayed pickups, with limited or no prior notice regarding route changes or service cancellations.  In some cases, trash and recycling collection has occurred several days late or not at all.  We understand how disruptive this is to households trying to manage waste responsibly and in accordance with Town norms. 

The Town has been in constant communication with Republic to push for reliable and timely service, and to press for better transparency on their operations during the strike.  Unfortunately, circumstances are evolving daily, and information provided by the vendor is often subject to rapid change once the trucks are dispatched to Town. 

To help aid in serving residents, DPW has taken on an expanded role.  On the first day of the strike, DPW personnel, without hesitation, collected the curbside trash and we thank them for their quick response.  Additionally, the Town has been working with our compost vendor, Black Earth, to offer expanded hours at the Transfer Station.  Many communities affected by the strike do not have a transfer station, so we are grateful to be able to provide this option for residents.  Beyond curbside collection services, the DPW has also closely monitored issues with Town dumpsters serviced by Republic.  Through all this communication with the residents has been a top priority and we thank Tiffany Marletta, Communications Director, for her extra efforts in keeping residents informed. 

This week, after Republic notified the Town that they would not collect recycling, the DPW stepped up again to collect curbside recycling on Thursday and Friday. 

Until the strike is resolved, residents should plan to place their trash and recycling curbside on their regular collection day.  If left uncollected, please consider bringing your trash or recycling to the Transfer Station during open hours. 

Keep in mind that this situation fluctuates daily, so signing up for Town updates will help provide direction if things change.  We understand this is far from ideal, but it remains the best way to ensure collection when it becomes available. 

We will continue to update residents via the Town website, social media, and emergency phone calls.  If you have not already signed up for these alerts, we encourage you to do so at manchester.ma.us/761/Stay-Informed.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to restore consistent service.  Please contact the Department of Public Works at (978) 526-1242 with any questions or concerns.