On Friday, the teamsters representing garbage collectors in Boston reported that the waste disposal company held a 5-hour caucus.

Republic Services and the Teamsters have been at a standoff since July 1, when 450 local workers went on strike after the union's contract expired. Teamsters are seeking better wages, benefits and stronger labor protections.

As the garbage strike drags on and work stoppages continue, Republic Services and Teamsters are working on returning to the bargaining table.