Durham garbage workers will end strike 'for the citizens'

Durham Solid Waste workers on Tuesday will resume garbage collection after a week-long strike.

On Monday in downtown Durham the striking workers said they would go back to work "for the citizens."

Durham on Monday entered the second week of a strike, with some workers are not getting on their trucks to collect trash.

Over the weekend, the city had contractors help pick up some trash. Online, some residents say they are taking their own trash to nearby waste centers themselves.

Workers say they're overworked and underpaid. They're asking for a cost-of-living increase and a $5,000 bonus.

According to a city job posting, the salary for a maintenance technician is currently about $40,000 to $61,000.

Many say they work second jobs to make ends meet.

"We have to fight about getting this type of stuff done so we can actually live in the city," said Antonio Smith, a maintenance tech for the city. "We can keep it clean."

While the city is using contractors to help, council member Jillian Johnson said most garbage routes are still being picked up by city workers.

Two-thirds of solid waste workers were on the job as of Friday.

Johnson said city leadership is continuing to meet regularly with workers.

A rally will begin Monday at Durham City Hall at 7 p.m.