Trash Strike Talks Stall As Bags Pile Up Across North Shore, Greater Boston

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing strike by sanitation workers represented by Teamsters Local 25 against Republic Services has led to significant trash accumulation across North Shore and Greater Boston, with accusations of bad faith negotiations from the union's president [1][3][4]. Group 1: Strike Details - The strike has entered its eighth day, with Teamsters Local 25 President Thomas G. Mari stating that Republic Services has not engaged in good faith negotiations [3][4]. - Mari claims that Republic's assertion of daily negotiations is "blatantly false," indicating a lack of communication since the last meeting [4]. - Picket lines have been extended to cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle in solidarity with the striking workers [5]. Group 2: Community Impact - Residents are advised to continue placing trash curbside, but delays are expected, with pickups likely occurring a day late due to various factors [3][7]. - Malden officials noted that delays are caused by newly assigned drivers, slow truck dispatch times due to picketing, and high temperatures affecting working conditions [7][8]. - Republic Services has informed communities of plans to bring in outside workers to assist with trash collection, although these efforts have faced challenges and will not include recycling [6][8]. Group 3: Union Demands - The union is urging Republic Services to resume negotiations and match the wage rates and health benefits provided by other unionized waste companies in the area [4][6]. - Mari emphasized that the union is not asking for more than what is offered by competitors like Capitol Waste and Star Waste [6].