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‘It’s criminal behavior’: Company accuses Teamsters of slashing tires amid Boston area trash collectors strike
“They slashed tires on occupied vehicles, harassed drivers serving customers, threatened employees and sabotaged trucks."
While its waste collection workers are striking in the Boston area, Republic Services is accusing the Teamsters union of “dangerous actions,” including slashing tires on occupied vehicles.
The strike, which is affecting hundreds of thousands of customers, began shortly after midnight on Tuesday. The current contract expired then for 450 Republic Services workers represented by Teamsters Local 25.
The Teamsters are demanding increased wages and benefits, and Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien said earlier Tuesday that the corporation pushed workers to the picket line, which could extend nationwide. Republic Services said in response that it was disappointed in the union’s decision and already provides competitive wages.
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The strike affects 17 municipalities across the Commonwealth. Customers may experience a modified service schedule, according to Republic Services, who said it would communicate any changes to customers.
Later Tuesday, Republic Services said it condemns what the company called “the dangerous actions today by the Teamsters and their outside agitators.”
“They slashed tires on occupied vehicles, harassed drivers serving customers, threatened employees and sabotaged trucks,” Republic Services said. “This isn’t negotiating—it’s criminal behavior.”
“These reckless actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for safety and public welfare. True leadership would prioritize responsible dialogue over dangerous street tactics,” their statement continued. “Republic Services remains steadfast in our commitment to good-faith negotiations for a fair agreement. Safety is non-negotiable.”
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“Several” of the incidents took place at the company’s center on Charger Street in Revere between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Tuesday, a company representative told Boston.com.
The Teamsters did not reply to a request for comment about the allegations Tuesday evening. The Revere Police Department did not immediately respond to questions about the alleged incidents.
“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,” O’Brien said earlier Tuesday.
The striking workers have garnered support from local politicians, including Boston City Councilor President Ruthzee Louijeune, Revere Mayor Patrick Keefe, and state Sens. Lydia Edwards and Paul Feeney.
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