MARSHFIELD — U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a leading Democratic candidate for president, said Friday he supported the striking Republic Services drivers in Marshfield.

The Vermont senator said in a campaign statement that Republic Services, a waste management company, should “negotiate a fair contract” with the union drivers.

“It should not be the case that a billionaire like Bill Gates can make over $100 million each year in stock dividends from a company like Republic Services, while the workers at Republic struggle to put food on the table,” Sanders said. “I am proud to stand with the Teamsters, and with workers everywhere who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.”

Sanders also tweeted his support for the drivers Friday night.

Sanitation workers in Marshfield are fighting for a living wage and safe working conditions. I am proud to stand with the @Teamsters25 and workers everywhere who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. https://t.co/nIpFU07Hmu

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 11, 2019





About two dozen Teamsters Local 25 drivers have been on strike in Marshfield for more than six weeks demanding better wages and benefits. Last week, the union failed to come to an agreement with Republic Services for the eighth time.