Garbage Strike Creates Trashy Fourth Of July Weekend For Many MA Residents

MASSACHUSETTS — Trash continued to accumulate throughout Fourth of July weekend as Republic Services employees continued their strike.

Negotiations between Republic and Local 25 Teamsters Union representatives are ongoing as 14 communities remain affected by a lack of trash and recycling collection.

Strike demonstrations continued in multiple locations throughout the Republic, including Roxbury and Revere.
The union said its 400 workers are fighting for "fair wages, better working conditions, and respect for all workers."

Canton, Danvers, Gloucester, and Watertown are slated to have replacement crews in charge of temporary trash collection on Monday.

Union President Thomas Mari said the strike will take as long as necessary to ensure the employees get what they desire.

“Republic has to realize that our members are fully committed to this effort,” Mari said. “This strike will end when Republic comes to its senses and agrees to bring pay and benefits up to the industry standard. We know they can afford it.”

A letter to Republic was authored by the majority of the affected municipalities recently expressing their dissatisfaction with the company’s lack of communication.

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