We, the undersigned residents of Charleston, support the efforts of sanitation workers to protect their health and safety through the formation of Local 1199B, an organization with a long history in this city.

We also support the resolution before the City Council that would require City officials to meet and confer with the democratically elected representatives of the sanitation workers regarding their health and safety concerns and to sign onto a Memorandum of Fair Treatment. The Charleston Firefighters Association currently enjoys a similar relationship with the City of Charleston.

Sanitation workers have long complained that department supervisors engage in managerial practices that are arbitrary and abusive. Only democratically elected representatives of sanitation workers can truly ensure their fair treatment on the job and efficient garbage pickup. The Citys recognition of Local 1199B would go a long way towards avoiding another tragedy involving public employees.

City of Charleston sanitation workers demand a voice; city residents deserve a clean city.