This summer, a strike by employees of Republic Services, a private waste-management company, has led to overflowing garbage and an unsightly mess in several American cities. Over 2,000 garbage collectors across the country are participating in the strike, which began on July 1.

• Republic Services has been accused by the Teamsters union of paying workers below market rates and providing poor benefits.
• Workers in cities like Boston, Manteca, Ottawa, and Cumming have joined the strike in solidarity, prompting cities to take legal action against the company.
• The conflict has caused significant disruption, with local officials having to create alternative trash solutions as negotiations stall.