Due to the fact that AFSCME Maryland Council 67 represents the Solid Waste workers of the City of Baltimore, it is extremely important that we address the weaknesses and the strengths of the recently introduced program that is characterized by one day trash and recyclable pick-up and a ten-hour day for solid waste workers. We would like to share suggestions for future planning that we have developed in partnership with the workers of the Baltimore City Department of Public Waste and AFSCME Council 67. Our primary suggestion would allow for a small test group of neighborhoods to be targeted to assess the pros and cons of such a program before full implementation.

We, like all of you, take pride in our neighborhoods and communities and we value clean yards, streets and alleys along with the presence of neighborhood parks and trees. These things all contribute to what attracts may to move to Baltimore and are also factors that make of stay here.

Ultimately, there are two very important areas that must be addressed. One area is the condition of our communities with less trash pick-up. Secondly, we must be concerned about the condition of our workers who will be on duty non-stop for 10-hours. The issue of unsanitary streets and alleys is one that is always characterized by rodents, often increased crime, devalued property and homes and decreased morale and pride for the citizens.

The extended work day will violate the current collective bargaining agreement, whereas a work day and work week are clearly defined (8- hour days/ 40-hour week). Additionally, as routes are being expanded the ability to complete “task work” as outlined in the CBA becomes unlikely. In fact, task work is being devalued and is not being acknowledged with the mandate of the 10-hr work day.

AFSCME Maryland Council 67 would like the City Council to support our request to conduct a pilot study and asks that the following components be considered:

1. The test group for the pilot study should include a small subgroup of City neighborhoods and include at least one public housing location along with other neighborhoods.

2. Utilize data from the research of the independent consultants that completed the study on Baltimore City trash pick-up routes to determine the most efficient routes to target as part of the pilot program

3. Target one area with improved rodent control and one that needs improvement. Determine if there appears to be a correlation or causal relationship between one-day trash pick-up and pest/ rodent increases.

4. Conduct a “Quality of Life” Survey on all solid waste workers and those who participate in the pilot study to compare and contrast results that are related to health and safety incidents, attendance, overall physical health and well-being, etc. Consider hours of work and shift length as they relate to accidents, quality of work and use of leave.

5. Analyze the results of similar 1-day trash pick-up programs in other metropolitan areas with similar demographics and reach out to other city administrators to discuss the “do’s and don’ts” and best practices that they have compiled from their experiences with such a program. Learn from the research provided by others in cities.

6. Clearly, outline the amount of savings that the City will accrue with a document that exhibits the savings and clearly includes the loss of over 250 jobs that will permanently be dissolved.

7. Be realistic about the fact that the amount of trash that the City produces will not decrease , but the level of service to the City taxpayers will…Residents will receive less trash pick-up that will increase yard and curb debris and alley debris ultimately diminishing the curb appeal of homes and decreasing the presence of the “Cleaner-Greener Baltimore Neighborhood.”

The current U.S. Administration under President Barack Obama has clearly addressed the need to keep Americans working and the need to create new jobs. The program as it stands will eliminate positions and will expose our members to severe economic hardship and a marked decrease in morale. Subsequently, the communities will suffer due to insufficient solid waste and refuse removal. AFSCME Maryland Council 67 respectfully proposes that additional time and study be put into this project prior to a premature implementation in the City of Baltimore. AFSCME Council 67 wishes to work in partnership with the City and is excited about the prospect of a “Cleaner and Greener” Baltimore.