Photo: Kendall Buhl/WBZ NewsRadio
GLOUCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Gloucester’s Department of Public Works (DPW) stepped up and picked up trash around the city amid the ongoing Republic Services labor strike.
And residents, like Barbra, noticed the difference.
“The city, I don’t know how they are managing it, but they’re doing a good job of picking up,” she told WBZ NewsRadio.
The city’s trash pick-up schedule returned to regular operations two weeks ago after DPW staff members took over to fill the gap.
“I see them working overtime,” Kate, a local café owner, said. “They didn’t sign up being trashmen, so it’s the fact that they’re doing it on a 100-degree days, [and] they’re doing what they need to do to keep the city clean.”
Residents are responsible for dropping off recycling at local recycling sites, and Kate said that is still a learning process.
“There’s been some hostility down there just because, you know, people are frustrated and impatient and hot and bothered in the summer time,” Kate added.
According to the city, DPW opened a temporary recycling site on its yard at 28 Poplar Street for residents only due to the high demand.
“We appreciate the professionalism and hard work of our DPW staff during this disruption, and we thank all residents for your continued patience and cooperation,” city officials said in a statement.
Hundreds of Republic Services workers in Massachusetts went on strike earlier this month over union contract disputes, demanding for higher pay and benefits.
Due to the prolong work stoppage, Gloucester and five other communities sued Republic Services over breach of contract. The other communities include Canton, Danvers, Beverly, Peabody and Malden.
A preliminary injunction hearing on the case was held on Tuesday but ended with no ruling from the judge.
Meanwhile, the two sides head back to the negotiating table Friday afternoon.
WBZ NewsRadio's Kendall Buhl (@WBZKendall) reports.