The Republic Services trash hauler's strike is entering its fourth week in Chula Vista and Mira Mesa.
Trash collection service is backed up and has caused a lot of trash to pile up across neighborhoods.
“With all the extra trash that people have during the holidays, it’s just gotten out of control." said one resident affected by the strike who did not want to be identified. "The smell, the rats, it’s just bad."
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Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said she wants this public health and safety threat to be resolved.
She said the labor strike will be discussed at Tuesday’s City Council meeting and all options will be considered.
That includes taking over trash collection or finding another company to do the job.
Republic Services promises all trash, recycling, and green waste will be picked up starting Monday.
Dohney Castillo, a driver with Republic Services said workers are hoping the mayor’s pressure will result in a contract they think is fair.
“We saw it as a hopeful sign as a sign that we are being backed up by the city and we hope that it stands," he said.
As contract negotiations are at a standstill, Castillo said drivers want to see results.
“We’re trying to have our words heard a little bit stronger," he said.
Strikers moved their picket line location from the Republic Services offices to the front of the landfill, hoping to add pressure and make their voices heard even louder.
“We do apologize for all the inconvenience that this is causing, but we can't go back to work until we have a fair and just contract," Castillo said.
