Tugboat workers go on strike days before Sail Boston and July 4th fireworks: "You need us"
Source: CBS News
By Penny Kmitt
July 2, 2026 / 12:40 PM EDT / CBS Boston
Tugboat workers in Boston have gone on strike, just days before two of the city's biggest events this summer, Sail Boston and the July 4th fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade.
Riley Tucker is one of 23 engineers, mechanics, and trained operators of Boston Towings and Transportation who help cargo ships navigate through the narrow Boston Harbor. It's these workers who help gas get to the pump and new cars to dealerships.
"People don't realize it... We're out here every day," said engineer Riley Tucker. "You order anything from Amazon; a lot of it is coming on ships, so you need us."
Their contract expired on June 30th. Teamsters Local 25 field representative Mike O'Brien said that they are working to get better wages, retirement packages, and more.
Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/tugboat-workers-strike-sail-boston-july-4th-fireworks/
FULL story & video at link.