Since the two parties have not reached new contract agreements, Republic Services sanitation workers will continue to strike outside Energy Way in Chula Vista at noon.
Over 250 sanitation workers went on strike last week for better working conditions and benefits provided by the Phoenix-based company Republic Services. The workers, who are also members of Teamsters Local 542, addressed concerns including excessive labor and harassment.
Members of the union voted to authorize a strike on Dec.13 after their contract expired at the end of November. After ratifying a new agreement, workers in Anaheim and Huntington beach ended a week-long strike earlier this month.
According to Jaime Vasquez, Secretary-Treasurer for the Union, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria reached out to both sides to move a mediation session initially scheduled for next week to Friday. However, the company did not make an offer.
A union spokesperson said the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services had been made aware.
The uncollected trash mounting has impacted many residents and businesses in Chula Vista and San Diego's Clairemont Mesa neighborhood. Customers can take their trash to the Otay Landfill in Chula Vista or Sycamore Landfill in Santee until further notice.
The city of Chula Vista announced that single-family residents might continue to have their black trash bins picked up on their normal day of service, but not the recycling or waste bins. The company, which employs over 30,000 people nation-wide, has instructed customers to do the following:
- Bring your waste cart out on your assigned collection day.
- Place excess trash in bags on the side of the trash bin.
- Leave the container on the sidewalk even if it is full. It will be picked up "as soon as possible."
- During this time, the yard waste, recycling, and collection of large objects will be suspended.
