Trash strikes ripple through Massachusetts: Republic strikers unable to negotiate.

In Massachusetts, dumpsters throughout the state have been  overflowing through the course of July, enraging residents and business owners alike. 

According to CBS News, the Massachusetts trash strike began on July 1, after over 400 sanitation workers from Boston’s largest waste treatment and removal company, Republic Services, walked out. The strikes’ underlying reasons are said to be unfair wages and a healthcare plan that lacks sufficient benefits. 

Workers are currently partnering with Teamsters Local 25, a union whose mission is to support those seeking fair working conditions. The partnership’s goal is to secure fair wages for sanitation workers. 

Teamsters has kept the union updated through their website, which includes links to unemployment information and negotiation status with Republic.

In a report published by NBC Boston, Teamsters and Republic have attempted mediations twice to resolve their issues and end the strike. However, as of presstime, both have yet to reach a mutual conclusion. 

“Despite the union indicating its willingness to modify its health insurance proposal to meet the company’s concerns, Republic turned its back on us,” said President Tom Mari, of Teamsters, in the company’s latest press release on July 15.

Republic has fired back by suing Teamsters and seeking a restraining order based on reports of protesting union members stealing a truck, inciting violence and using derogatory speech against the employees. 

“Little progress was made today in negotiations. Enough is enough… The Teamsters are dragging this out for their benefit and continuing their criminal behavior, putting our employees and the community at risk,” Republic additionally stated in their press release. 

However, according to Boston.com, Republic’s attempts to secure a restraining order were unsuccessful, as a federal judge ruled their evidence to be insufficient. 

Despite this, the striking union workers and Republic are not the only people enduring the effects of this strike; communities across the state are struggling. 

Affected communities include Beverly, Canton, Danvers, Gloucester, Malden and Peabody. Residents have taken action by filing a complaint and suing Republic due to the trash buildups. Residents have reported odor, rats and general discomfort as garbage piles up. 

These lawsuits were taken to court on July 22; however, the judge has yet to draw an official conclusion. 

Boston communities are also facing the brunt of the strike, as trash-related issues are surfacing in Allston. 

David Shin, owner of Oppa Sushi, claimed his apartment is where he saw the most trash, resulting in rats and a “very bad odor.” 

Unlike Shin’s experience, some restaurants in Allston have been given an alternative solution. According to a cook at Inbound Pizza & Restaurant, Republic has instated replacement workers to reduce the effects of the strike. 

However, there are no reported replacements in affected cities outside of Boston. Republic’s press release claimed that striking Republic workers alongside Teamsters protesters have blocked replacement aid into the cities cited above. 

The strikes have passed state lines and have spread countrywide, an estimated 2,000 workers have joined Teamsters’ cause. Furthermore, Teamsters have declared a “war” on Republic, and do not plan to stop the strike until their needs are sufficiently met, according to Boston.com.

As of presstime on July 23, there is no new date scheduled for Republic and Teamsters to meet again and attempt to end the trash strike.