Teamsters Strike Republic in Memphis

The Teamsters have struck Republic Services Inc.’s waste and recycling hauling facility in Memphis, Tenn.

The Phoenix-based company said in a statement that customers’ waste and recycling will be collected. “There will be some delays, but service will be provided.”

Republic said it is putting a plan into action. “Many of our managers are out on routes, while additional Republic personnel are being brought in.”

The facility serves about 250,000 people in the greater Memphis area.

The company did not disclose the issues, and the Washington-based Teamsters were unavailable for immediate comment. Republic said in its statement that starting drivers in Memphis earn about $40,000 a year for Republic, and the average driver receives $58,000. Some of its senior employees make $85,000 a year.

Last year Republic had a work stoppage at two of its Alabama facilities and then enforced a lockout in Indiana. In Alabama the issue was health insurance; in Indiana it was pensions.