City Manager Pledges To Address Needs Of Raleigh Sanitation Workers

RALEIGH, N.C. — Raleigh City Manager Russell Allen sat down with city sanitation workers Friday morning. However after the talks, employees say nothing is settled.

"I hope they do feel like there's progress being made. I've asked them to measure that progress daily and hopefully, it will get better every day," Allen said.

Allen said he needs more time to address all the needs of the city's sanitation department. Earlier this week, trash collectors walked off the job complaining of poor working conditions, pay and overtime issues.

In the short term, Allen said some working conditions need to be better and said he is addressing a need to add more staff. He said the city will talk with workers again next Friday. Sanitation workers have said that they want answers by then.

"I'm going to treat the man (Allen) as honest until he proves otherwise," said sanitation employee representative Lonnie Lucas.

Workers did go out on their routes Friday as a sign of good faith. Raleigh residents are urged to leave trash and recyclables items by the curb.