Republic Services and the Teamsters have been at a standoff since July 1, when 450 local workers went on strike after the union's contract expired. Teamsters are seeking better wages, benefits and stronger labor protections.

A federal mediator was scheduled to meet with members of the Teamsters Local 25 and the trash company providing garbage services in more than a dozen Bay State cities and towns on Tuesday.

Communities and businesses around Boston are still without regular trash pickup two weeks after Republic Services workers hit the picket line.

A total of about 450 Republic Services workers represented by the Teamsters union in the Boston area have been on strike since July 1, but the work stoppage has spread to Southern California and now i

The Chula Vista City Council will meet Monday evening in special session to hear from Republic Services about the ongoing work stoppage for trash pickup.