Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas announced on Saturday that Republic Services will pick up trash, green waste, and recyclables starting Monday
This comes as over 250 sanitation workers near their fourth week on strike after failed contract negotiations between Teamsters Local 542 and Republic Services. Workers are striking for better pay, safer working conditions, and benefits.
According to a statement posted to her Twitter account, Republic Services representatives made a promise at a Saturday morning meeting to pick up all trash, recycling, and green waste on Monday morning for Chula Vista customers.
The letter did not mention whether Republic Services will conduct waste pick-ups in other affected areas of the county.
The trash strike will be discussed at an upcoming City Council meeting.
“I will ask the city council to consider all options, including bringing the trash collection in-house or selecting another company, to ensure disruption of this vital service never happens again,” Salas said.
The strike began on Dec. 17 when workers walked off the job. The strike resulted in an accumulation of trash in Chula Vista and other parts of San Diego county that raised concern and frustration among affected residents.
Teamsters Local 542 rejected Republic Services' latest contract offer on Thursday which continued the strike. The company has met with the union 15 times for negotiations, and five of those meetings were held with a federal mediator, all without bearing any fruit.
Republic Services said they will continue to implement their emergency operation plan.
"Our Blue Crew relief drivers remain on the job and continue to make progress servicing our customers," Republic Services said.
Chula Vista residents and businesses may take their trash to the Otay Landfill at 1700 Maxwell Rd, Chula Vista, 91911 during regular business hours. The city said residents will not be charged but must show proof of city residency. And businesses will need to identify as city businesses.
