A trash collector strike in the Boston area is now entering its fifth week, with no resolution in sight, leading to overflowing dumpsters and growing frustration among politicians and affected communities.
More than 400 garbage haulers from a local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters have been on strike since July 1, demanding higher wages and improved benefits from their employer, Republic Services Inc. This work stoppage is impacting trash collection across 14 suburbs in the Boston area, stretching from Canton to Gloucester.
While Boston itself does not rely on Republic for standard trash pickup, many businesses in the city have contracts with the company for private collection, adding to the strain of the ongoing strike. Republic has deployed replacement workers to address the backlog, but many homeowners and business owners are dissatisfied with the sporadic service, leading to concerns about the growing pileup of waste.
Residents in Canton have expressed their frustration, noting that they have only received one trash pickup in the entire month, as highlighted by Public Works Superintendent Michael Trotta. Republic contends that the presence of picketing workers has impeded their ability to provide services effectively.
With soaring temperatures forecasted to hit 97 degrees in downtown Boston, coinciding with a historic record from 1933, the increasingly foul odor of the trash has aggravated the situation.
image source from：unionleader
