Picketers accused of stealing trash truck, destroying property as strike continues

The blame game is intensifying as a trash collector strike that is impacting several Massachusetts communities continues for a 16th day.The 12th negotiating session ended Tuesday with no deal and more tension from both sides. Republic Services filed a civil complaint in Boston federal court Monday, asking for an immediate injunction in the strike. The complaint details dozens of instances of what Republic Services calls ongoing and escalating conduct by picketers.The alleged acts include stealing a collection truck, destroying cars and property at Republic Services facilities, using racist and homophobic slurs, spitting in the face of a security guard, and the Teamsters’ president using threatening language toward Republic’s general manager. The company wants the court to step in to prevent more violence and intimidation. “Republic’s disdain for its employees and the thousands of citizens of the cities and towns it services by refusing to bargain in good faith is obvious but not surprising,” Local 25 said in a statement. “We haven’t been given a legitimate offer that recognizes our needs in two weeks.” Republic said its wage offer is higher than local competitors and requested to resume negotiations Friday. It says the union refused.