WAKEFIELD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Unionized workers for Republic Services, represented by Teamsters Local Union 25, overwhelmingly voted Sunday to continue striking over wages and benefits as trash continues to pile up.

Union members voted 93% in favor of holding the picket line following a work stoppage that is now entering its fifth week of failed negotiations.

Teamsters Local Union 25 President Tom Mari said during a union meeting Sunday that Republic has refused to meet for more than 15 days and has disrespected employees by not bringing "wages and benefits up to the standards" of other trash companies in the area.

In a statement, Republic said they were "disappointed in the vote to continue the work stoppage rather than encourage Teamsters Local 25 leadership to return to the bargaining table in good faith."

Republic said their proposal for union workers includes a 16% wage increase in the first year, about a 43% wage increase over the life of the contract and a zero-premium healthcare plan with no deductible and generous retirement contributions.

July marked the last meeting between union officials and Republic which ended without a deal.

Teamsters have denied accusations of unlawful and disruptive tactics.

Meantime, striking workers have garnered public support from some local residents.

“Get what you want – try and get what you want,” Tony, a Wakefield resident, said. “I wish them all the luck in the world.”

Wakefield is one town that has taken matters into its own hands by providing curbside collection service to minimize the impact to residents and prevent public health concerns from deepening.

More than a dozen Massachusetts communities have needed to find alternative trash removal mechanisms.

Governor Maura Healey weighed in on the problem last month, calling the strike a “public health concern.” Healey urged Republic to come to the bargaining table with a fair deal.

“It’s time to get people back to work and resume services to our communities as soon as possible,” Healey said.

It is not clear if another meeting between the trash company and union workers has been scheduled yet.

WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.

NightSide with Dan Rea