Boston - Governor Maura Healey on July 17 called on the waste disposal company Republic Services to reach a deal to end the strike that has halted trash and recycling pickup in several Massachusetts towns and cities.

“It has now been three weeks of no trash pick up in several Massachusetts communities, and this has gone beyond a headache for residents, businesses and municipalities – it is a public health concern and it’s expensive for everyone. Sanitation workers do essential work to keep our neighborhoods clean and healthy, and they deserve fair wages, benefits and protections,” said Governor Healey. “Republic Services needs to come to the table and reach a fair deal – it's time to get people back to work and resume services to our communities as soon as possible.”