VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Nearly 30 Virginia Beach Public Works and Public Utilities employees showed up Tuesday night to petition city leaders for more money.
They delivered a petition to City Manager Patrick Duhaney before the city council meeting Tuesday night, asking for 10% hazard pay, a re-evaluation of the pay scale to increase wages, a stop to what they say are management threats and abuses of power, and a seat at the table in each city department.
The petition was signed by 319 current employees of the City of Virginia Beach who work in the departments of Public Works, Public Utilities, Parks and Recreation and Human Services.
"We want management to listen to us. We want them to hear us. We want them to talk with us. We want to find solutions together,” said Public Works employee Dwayne Arthur.
"The work that we do is essential, and it's hazardous. We put our lives at risk every day that we go to work amidst COVID-19,” added Jason Smith, another Public Works employee.
They are asking for a response by Tuesday, November 24.
