Republic Services strike update: Fremont residents frustrated as strike continues

FREMONT, Calif. (KRON) — Frustration is growing and so are piles of trash as a nationwide Republic Services trash pickup strike stretches into its second week. The good news for residents is that some relief is on the way with more garbage truck drivers hitting the streets Tuesday.

In the South Bay, garbage trucks will be back on the streets of Fremont Tuesday. According to the city, more drivers are being brought in to help with the backlog. Meanwhile, residents are showing up to drop off their trash at a local recycling center.

The strike continues with union members are demanding higher pay and better benefits. Republic Services said they are making progress in negotiations and are meeting with union reps again today.

In Fremont, the priority for garbage pickup will be on customers who normally have their garbage picked up on Wednesday, according to the city There’s still no update on when the blue and green bins will be collected.

“Well, all of our trash cans are full and then we’ve built up just in the process of packing for moving,” said Fremont resident Annalee Nagami.

“We don’t like seeing garbage all over the place. Stinks. And so, yeah, it’s an inconvenience for sure,” said Al Hernandez, another Fremont resident.

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa is calling for trash pickup to resume immediately. He’s demanding a refund to customers and told KRON4, “Rodents, pests, and the spread of disease are real and urgent risks when garbage is allowed to sit uncollected in our neighborhoods. Families shouldn’t have to live next to rotting waste while a multi-billion-dollar company sits idle.”

The City of Fremont is asking people to be patient if they’re dropping off trash at the recycling center. The lines are expected to be long.