FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — There is some relief for people in the East Bay as a Republic Services garbage workers’ walkout heads into week two, which has trash piling up across the Bay Area.
Now, some officials in Bay Area counties are calling on Republic Services to provide relief to customers impacted.
“What I’m calling for is for our county attorney to look into Republic refunding the taxpayer for every week that service is not delivered,” said David Canepa, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, “My message clearly, to Republic, is, if you don’t pick up, you will pay up.”
Some residents in Contra Costa County are being told trash service is resuming. But for others, there’s no end in sight.
“It’s great; it’s great,” said one El Sobrante resident. “I didn’t even expect them to be coming today.”
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Trash is piling up outside many homes in Bay Area cities as garbage collectors with Republic Services stopped working across the region.
“I was definitely happy,” said Brian Grant of El Sobrante. “It’s nice for them to come and pick up the garbage, it’s starting to smell real bad,” said Grant.
Non-union members from as far as Texas and Colorado are now helping during the work stoppage.
“It’s nice they’re coming in with replacement workers. But I definitely am feeling for the workers that are striking,” said Grant.
Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia said trash collection in West Contra Costa County is starting back up for residences and most businesses. Recycling or green waste will be collected at this time.
Some residents wonder how long they’ll have to wait before service resumes in their community.
Pinole resident Pearl Lee isn’t sure how much more she can take. Lee says the amount of trash at her apartment complex and the critters they attract – is simply unacceptable.
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“I see rodent, flies, everything. And last night, at midnight, I saw animals – big size animals,” said Lee.
Lee says she understands negotiations have been slow-going and hopes garbage collectors get the best offer they can secure.
“I know these guys. They work really hard. It’s a sad situation,” said Lee.
Health officials worry that the growing piles of trash will become a public health safety concern. Health directors from different counties talked about the issue Tuesday.
Supervisor Gioia said health officers from different counties have communicated and that they’re monitoring the trash situation for problems with rats and fleas. Gioia said people should consider keeping garbage cans away from their homes.
“Our Contra Costa health director had said that he was going to be talking to other health directors in the Bay Area generally, about how they sort of think about approaching this, because this has gone on in counties around the Bay Area,” said Supervisor Gioia.
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Late Tuesday, Teamsters said they are still meeting with Republic Services and “are still far apart in negotiations.”
Republic Services said they’re working towards an agreement that’s beneficial to their employees and customers. In a statement, they said:
“We empathize with the community’s frustration and ask for their continued patience during this Teamsters-led work stoppage. We want nothing more than to welcome our employees back to work. “
The statement continues:
“We have deployed Republic Services employees from other areas who are assisting with collections. We ask all residents to continue leaving their containers out until serviced. The most recent service information can be found here: www.republicservices.com/norcalupdates. We will continue to provide updates via text, automated phone calls and emails.”
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