Overview
Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW) employees are preparing to protest outside City Hall on Friday, demanding immediate safety reforms following the deaths of two workers in separate incidents within the past three months. The union representing DPW workers has accused the city of failing to prioritize worker safety, describing the recent deaths as preventable tragedies.
The Incidents
Timothy Cartwell's death (November 8): Timothy Cartwell, a waste collector from DPW’s Reedbird Sanitation Yard, died while on duty after being pinned between a trash truck and a utility pole in an alley. The details of the incident have sparked concerns about workplace safety protocols. Cartwell’s official cause of death has not yet been released.
Ronald Silver’s death (August): In August, Ronald Silver, another DPW employee, passed away due to overheating while working in extreme summer conditions. Silver’s death highlighted the risks of inadequate safety measures for employees working under physically demanding conditions.
Both deaths underscore what workers and union leaders describe as systemic safety issues within the department.
Union Criticism and Demands
The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Maryland Council 3, which represents DPW workers, has expressed outrage over the city’s handling of safety concerns.
Patrick Moran, president of the union, criticized the city for delays in implementing meaningful changes and described Cartwell’s death as avoidable.“This was a totally avoidable incident,” Moran said.
The union has been calling for improvements in training, communication, and oversight. For months, AFSCME has requested access to health and safety data from the city but has received no response.
Moran stressed that while some steps have been taken since Silver’s death, these efforts have been insufficient.“Unfortunately, we are not going to change that culture overnight. I think there’s been a shift in culture as a result of these horrific events, but it’s got to be on hyperdrive,” he said.
City's Response and Recent Measures
Mayor Brandon Scott’s administration has defended the city’s recent efforts to address safety issues within DPW. In response to Silver’s death, DPW implemented new safety measures and enhanced training programs.
The city has focused on improving communication between supervisors and employees and updating protocols for working in extreme weather conditions.
However, union leaders argue that these actions, while necessary, fall short of addressing the broader safety issues within DPW.
Moran emphasized the need for greater transparency and cooperation, saying, “The city has got to stop trying to stiff-arm folks who want to make sure this goes right. It’s in the city’s best interest.”
The Planned Protest
The protest, organized by DPW workers and supported by AFSCME Maryland Council 3, is set to take place at noon on Friday outside Baltimore City Hall.
Workers aim to draw attention to what they describe as unsafe working conditions and demand immediate reforms to protect employees.
Union leaders are also pressing for accountability from city officials, urging them to prioritize worker safety in both policy and practice.
What’s Next?
The deaths of Cartwell and Silver have placed a spotlight on DPW’s workplace safety culture and prompted calls for swift action to prevent further tragedies.
The union has vowed to continue advocating for safety reforms until significant changes are implemented.
As the protest approaches, all eyes are on Baltimore’s leadership to see how they respond to mounting pressure from workers and their advocates.
The protest symbolizes a growing movement among DPW employees to ensure their voices are heard, underscoring the need for a safer and more transparent work environment.
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