Republic Labor Troubles Grow

Republic Services Inc.’s labor troubles extended to waste hauling operations in Memphis and Millington, Tenn., where 175 workers went on strike for the second time in four months.

Members of Washington-based Teamsters Local 984 claim in its news release the company broke federal law by starting to cut paychecks of commercial and recycling drivers, and “spying on its workers and their union representatives.”

Phoenix-based Republic said in a statement by Roger Lawrence, general manager for Memphis, that the company wants to give workers a retirement they can count on, rather than with the fiscally-embattled Central States Pension Fund. “We believe our employees deserve better and will do everything legally possible to help them leave Central States,” Lawrence said.

Workers in Memphis struck briefly in January. Republic said its drivers average a salary of $58,000 a year.

Republic also is dealing with ongoing strikes in Ohio and Georgia.