Republic Services is accusing the Teamsters union of engaging in risky behavior, such as cutting tires on occupied trucks, while its garbage collection workers are on strike in the Boston region.
Shortly after midnight on Tuesday, the strike started, impacting hundreds of thousands of consumers. For 450 Republic Services employees represented by Teamsters Local 25, the current contract ended at that time.
Teamsters General President Sean O. Brien stated earlier Tuesday that the company forced workers to the picket line, which may spread across the country, in response to the Teamsters’ demands for more pay and benefits. In reaction, Republic Services stated that it already offers competitive pay and expressed disappointment with the union’s decision.
Throughout the Commonwealth, 17 municipalities are impacted by the strike. Republic Services stated that it would notify consumers of any changes and that customers might encounter a changed service schedule.
Later on Tuesday, Republic Services declared its condemnation of the Teamsters’ and their outside agitators’ “dangerous actions” of today.
According to Republic Services, they destroyed trucks, threatened staff, harassed drivers serving customers, and cut tires on occupied cars. This is illegal action, not negotiation.
These careless acts reveal a flagrant disrespect for public safety and well-being. They added that sensible discourse will take precedence over risky street tactics under true leadership. Republic Services is unwavering in our will to engage in sincere discussions in order to reach a just settlement. There is no compromise on safety.
According to a corporate spokesman who spoke to Boston.com, a number of the events happened at the company’s center on Charger Street in Revere between three and five in the morning on Tuesday.
A request for response regarding the accusations was not answered by the Teamsters on Tuesday night. Questions concerning the reported incidents were not immediately answered by the Revere Police Department.
Earlier on Tuesday, O Brien stated, “Remember who’s to blame if your trash is piling up on the Fourth of July: the white-collar criminals who run Republic Services.”
Local officials, such as state senators Lydia Edwards and Paul Feeney, Boston City Councilor President Ruthzee Louijeune, and Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe, have backed the striking workers.
Molly Farrar works for Boston.com as a general assignment reporter, covering topics such as politics, crime, and education.
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