Sanitation workers push for higher pay despite City Manager proposing bonuses for all city employees
Durham sanitation workers pushed for higher pay at City Hall by rallying before the council meeting.
According to workers, the offer on the table from the city isn't enough.
They said they're overworked and underpaid – and this latest offer from the city doesn't fix the issue.
"We just want justice for our workers," said one sanitation worker.
Durham's City Manager has proposed:
- $3,000 bonuses for city employees who make less than $57,000 annually
- $2,500 dollar bonuses to those who make between $57,000 and $90,000
- A $2,000 bonus for employees who make more than $90,000
- Part-time employees would also receive a $1,000 bonus
The city said these bonuses would cost a total of $6.5 million, coming from the fund balance.
The North Carolina Public Service Workers Union said that they are sticking to their demand of $5,000 bonuses for all city employees with a gross income of less than $75,000 per year. The workers are also asking for a minimum wage increase.
"it was significantly lower than we asked for," said demonstrator Herman Moore. "We're not satisfied with it, and we intend to do whatever we have to do to get what we're asking for."
Mayor Pro Tem Mark Anthony Middleton recognized the sanitation workers in the room during Monday's meeting.
"We see you in the room [and] we thank you for your service," Middleton said. "We thank you for keeping our city safe, clean and healthy, and yes, you do deserve it. You do deserve it."
Durham is also working on a compensation study, and recommendations could be available as soon as early January.
The bonuses weren't officially on the city agenda Monday, although we heard some discussion of them.
They are on the agenda for Thursday's City Council Work session. Middleton invited the demonstrators back for Thursday's work session.
