Houston Solid Waste workers say long hours, safety risks are taking a toll

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Long hours and safety concerns are just a few of the issues some Houston Solid Waste workers said they are facing.

Five solid waste management employees discussed their concerns at Tuesday's public comment session of the city council.

The workers discussed how they feel stretched thin working long hours. Some said they've worked six days a week.

"There is no balance right now. Work, work, work. Sometimes work 13 hours, sometimes work 12 hours," Solid Waste employee Carey Johnson said.

One worker claimed they don't get their protective equipment in a timely manner and are left with worn-out gear.

"We're not getting the equipment that we need for our personal safety in a timely manner, to everything from boots, gloves," the worker said. "Our boots are getting nails in them, and they're getting the chemicals from the transfer center into the boots."

But it didn't stop there. One person raised safety concerns and said they've been met with hostility while on their routes.

"These people are mad because of their trash not being picked up when they want it picked up, but they are taking their anger out on us out there," Craig Semiens, another Solid Waste employee, said. "So what are we supposed to do? How are we supposed to defend ourselves? We don't have nothing to defend ourselves other than a two-way radio."

This comes amid broader challenges for the department. Last fall, the city invested $12 million dollars and added 50 recycling trucks to the fleet, which they said would improve collection time.

Yet, Solid Waste said it's still dealing with service delays because of the increased amount of debris set out for collection and ongoing driver shortages.

Houston City Councilmember Fred Flickinger said there is a committee hearing next week that's focused on solid waste management.

"We're kind of surprised to hear about the issues last night," Flickinger said. "The front-line employees make a big, big difference. So, having their concerns voiced and heard and hopefully, they've got some ideas on, hey, you know, if we do this, it will work out better or do that, you know, whatever the case is."

Mayor Whitmire's Office sent ABC13 a statement saying he is in the process of learning more information and addressing these concerns.

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