UPDATE: Trash is piling up at Malden High School as classes approach, intensifying concerns about hygiene and safety just weeks before the school year begins. The ongoing strike by Republic Services trash collectors, which started on July 1, has left 14 Massachusetts communities without essential waste services for almost seven weeks.
City Councilor Karen Colon Hayes visited the site on Saturday, noting the alarming state of the school’s dumpsters overflowing with trash. “This is worse than I thought,” she stated. “When school starts, we’re going to have kids with tons of garbage. They’re going to be eating lunch here, and they’re going to be outside, and this is not safe.”
The strike by workers from Teamsters Local Union 25 has been prompted by stalled negotiations over wages and benefits. As the situation worsens, Bob Knox, the Director of Public Works, acknowledged that waste collection at schools is insufficient, adding, “They know you have to empty the schools. It just doesn’t happen as often as it needs to be.”
Despite the urgent need for action, there is currently no resolution in sight. Teamsters Local 25 members voted on August 3 to continue the strike, demonstrating their commitment to advocating for better working conditions. Knox expressed hope for a swift resolution, stating, “We are hoping they can get to the table and get it resolved soon, to bring the men and women back to work, but certainly challenging times for our city.”
In July, Governor Maura Healey urged Republic Services to negotiate with their employees to end the strike, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Meanwhile, local residents have been dropping off recyclables at the Ferry Way School, but that service is expected to cease shortly, leading to growing frustration among the community.
“This is very hard for us to deal with on a day-to-day basis,” resident Elizabeth Helms remarked, adding to the emotional toll this crisis has taken on families in Malden.
With school starting soon, parents and students are left wondering how the ongoing strike will impact their return to class. As the community awaits action, the pressure is mounting on local officials and Republic Services to find a resolution. The situation continues to develop, and residents are urged to stay informed as they navigate this pressing issue.
