Video shows apparent case of road rage involving trash truck in Marshfield

MARSHFIELD, Mass. — Marshfield Police Lieutenant Arthur Shaw said he's aware of a video that shows a Republic Services sanitation truck speed up and then slam on the breaks, narrowly avoiding crashing head-on into a car in an apparent case of road rage.

A Lynn Street resident captured the incident on camera Wednesday morning.

At least two dozen Marshfield-based Republic workers walked off the job on August 29, demanding the company negotiate their first contract with Teamsters Local 25.

Republic has out-of-state replacement workers taking care of contracted trash services in Marshfield, Abington and Rockland.

Shaw noted how the picketing workers have taken their strike on the road at times, but were warned not to block Republic trucks and barrels.

As a result, Republic has hired one detail officer in Marshfield to monitor its four trucks collecting trash in town.

During the standoff on Lynn Street, Shaw said the detail officer was following another Republic truck at the other end of town. By the time the officer arrived, the car had already left and the officer wasn't able to identify the driver.

Shaw said he contacted Republic and told them the driver's actions portrayed in the video are unsafe, while reminding the company drivers can call 911 anytime they feel threatened.

Teamsters Local 25 President Sean O'Brien told Boston 25 News Republic Services is utilizing out-of-state replacement drivers who he said are, "uncertified, lack proper training and are not subject to criminal background checks."

"The incident today is a result of Republic Services being reckless and having no regard for public safety or its own employees," O'Brien added. "We are proud of our members as they have acted honorably and within the law while they are on strike, worried about their families and their future."

Republic Services sent Boston 25 News the following statement:

"Safety is the number one priority for Republic Services. We have the best safety record in the industry. Teamsters Local 25 representatives are engaged in an intimidation campaign that is putting our drivers and the communities we serve at risk. This includes unsafe actions on the roads and in neighborhoods that include stalking and blocking drivers who are simply trying to do their jobs and serve our customers, as witnessed by local residents.

Yesterday's incident on Lynn Street is another example of the tactics the Teamsters are using to intimidate our drivers. The individuals in the sedan were Teamsters seeking to prevent our driver from exiting a neighborhood. The Teamsters have repeatedly threatened our Marshfield employees, the members they represent and claim to care about. Legal proceedings have been filed by Republic Services of Marshfield against the Teamsters as result of the Teamsters' ongoing violence, threats and other misconduct that is risking the safety of our employees and the Marshfield area communities.

Our drivers are fully trained and experienced professionals. The Teamsters' claims that our drivers are uncertified or haven't undergone background checks is patently false. Republic Services of Marshfield respects its employees' right to union representation, but it will not give in to the Teamsters' unlawful bullying tactics. For more information, visit RepublicServices.com/Marshfield."

Cox Media Group