14° and Clear
Image
Photo courtesy of Town of Canton. During the Republic Services workers' strike, Town of Canton residents dropped off waste bags with Department of Public Works employees at the Town Transfer Station.
The work stoppage involving labor union members and employees of Republic Services, a waste collection company, has ended, announced the Town of Canton on Friday, September 19. Regular curbside trash and recycling collection will resume for Canton residents on Monday, September 22, according to the town.
A statement released by the Town of Canton through Town Administrator Charles Doody, notes, “We recognize this situation has been difficult for residents and greatly appreciate the patience the community has shown during the past 11 weeks.”
The Town went on express gratitude to residents for their understanding, and to the Canton Department of Public Works for “extraordinary efforts during the stoppage to help minimize the impact on residents.”
During the strike that began around July 1, the Town of Canton had expanded its hours at the Town Transfer site for Canton residents to dispose of bagged trash and cardboard. It had been open 7 days a week. Residents would drop off their trash and Canton’s DPW employees would empty vehicles.
During the work stoppage, with dumpsters overflowing, the town in July joined several other communities in asking a court to order Republic Services to resume contractual services. In late July, the court rejected the request.
Republic Services, for its part, blamed a local union of its employees, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 25 (Local 25), for the trash and recycling disruptions. Republic Services claimed that union members were disruptive and harassing, and that they blocked and vandalized the trucks it attempted to place into service.
