BALTIMORE — Sanitation workers in Baltimore will see an increase in pay, the of addition of health care benefits, and a $500 bonus.
The Board of Estimates voted on Wednesday to convert all seasonal maintenance aids (temporary sanitation workers) to full-time positions.
Councilmembers Zeke Cohen and Isaac "Yitzy" Schleifer released a statement praising the pay increase saying:
“Yesterday, the Board of Estimates voted to convert all seasonal maintenance aids (temporary sanitation workers) to full-time positions. Each of these workers will receive an immediate $5.87 hourly wage increase plus health care and other benefits. Additionally, all solid waste workers will receive a $500 bonus.
This is a big win for some of Baltimore’s most neglected workers!
The women and men who pick up our trash deserve not only respect, but a living wage. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how essential they are to the basic functioning of city government.
We remain committed to solving our city’s trash crisis. We will continue to push for the full restoration of curbside recycling services. We look forward to working with the next Administration to make sure workers are paid a fair wage, and this never happens again.
We thank Mayor Young for taking this step in the right direction. We also thank Mayor-Elect Brandon Scott for his steadfast advocacy and for voting for the increase.“
