Meanwhile, Republic’s lawsuit against the union — alleging harassment and vandalism — was rejected by a federal judge in Boston.
The company also admitted this week that labor disruptions could shave up to $50 million off its annual earnings due to replacement labor costs and customer credits.
“Some businesses are paying others just to take their trash,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Charles River Regional Chamber.
Calls for Intervention
All nine Massachusetts Democrats in the U.S. House have urged Republic to negotiate in good faith, echoing calls from Governor Maura Healey. Some council members are even appealing to Bill Gates, whose Cascade Investment is Republic’s largest shareholder.
Still, with no follow-up talks scheduled since July 18, and both sides blaming the other for the impasse, the standoff shows no signs of ending.
