Photo: Sean Martin, Teamsters Local 25
CANTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Hundreds of sanitation workers across Massachusetts went on strike early Tuesday, demanding a better contract with Republic Services.
The 450 workers are represented by Teamsters 25, and the union said the strike is set to affect 17 local communities — Peabody, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Wakefield, Marblehead, Malden, Topsfield, Saugus, Beverly, Danvers, North Reading, Lynnfield, Reading, Swampscott, Arlington, Watertown and Canton.
“If your rubbish is piling up on the Fourth of July, remember who’s responsible for it: the white-collar criminals who run Republic Services,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “Republic Teamsters didn’t start this fight, but we will finish it. Our members will do whatever it takes to finally get the respect they’re owed.”
The union said the waste disposal giant has refused to give workers a fair deal. The striking workers say they want higher wages, better benefits and stronger labor protections.
Canton residents on Tuesday morning said no matter how they felt about the strike, concerns over trash build up were top of mind.
“A lot of people are going to be upset about it, especially in the summertime,” one resident said.
“[It’s] gonna be a very smelly Fourth of July,” another resident said.
The union said other Teamsters workers across the country are having similar disputes with Republic Services, and could join the picket lines at any moment.
A spokesperson for Republic Services said the company currently provides its workers in Greater Boston with competitive wages, an “industry-leading” healthcare plan, a pension plan and a “generous” time-off and holiday plan.
“It is disappointing that the union called a work stoppage rather than continue negotiating in good faith toward a fair and competitive contract that benefits our employees and our customers. A work stoppage does not benefit our employees or the communities we serve,” the spokesperson said.
Republic Services will continue providing service and have secured workers from other areas, but some customers may experience a modified service schedule due to the strike, according to the spokesperson.
WBZ’s Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.