City Of Birmingham Working Through COVID-19 Absences In Department Of Public Works

From the City of Birmingham:

August 11, 2021

The City of Birmingham has tracking and tracing methods in place for COVID-19. As previously reported, 10 percent of Department of Public Works employees have been affected by COVID-19. Over the last few weeks, the absences of DPW workers have affected the city’s ability to collect household trash in a timely fashion in some parts of the city. As a city, we are sorry to see this virus affect our employees and their families, and we are hoping for a full recovery for them.

We have pulled in crews throughout the city to cover areas when routes have been affected due to COVID. This week, we are in the process of hiring temporary workers to assist with trash collection, and we have promoted several laborers to refuse collector positions. Starting Saturday, Aug. 14, we will increase the starting salary for refuse collectors from $12.97 to $15.02. Employees are eligible for paid vacation, paid holidays and health insurance.

On Friday, Aug. 20 and Saturday, Aug. 21, the city will host agility skills tests for those who’ve applied to be refuse collectors. The physical tests will take place at the Birmingham Crossplex. To apply and to learn more information about the job, people may visit www.birminghamal.gov/workforbham.

The City’s hardworking employees remain committed in delivering quality service to residents, and the city asks the public to remain patient as team members continue to serve in the midst of this pandemic.

This press release was produced by the City of Birmingham. The views expressed are the author's own.