Despite High Salaries of 350 Million Won, Many Say "I Can't Go to Work"... US Janitors Trapped in the 'Allowance Trap'

"High Absenteeism and Inefficient Work Rules Cause Overtime Pay"

American sanitation workers. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] It has been revealed that sanitation workers affiliated with the New York City Department of Sanitation in the United States received annual salaries exceeding 350 million won due to increased overtime work after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

On the 12th (local time), the New York Post reported that 94 sanitation workers and supervisors affiliated with New York City received more than $100,000 (approximately 117.8 million won) in overtime pay. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, in 2019-2020, only two cases of receiving more than $100,000 were recorded.

Christopher Tamas, who joined as a sanitation worker in 2000 and now holds a managerial position, received $170,883 (approximately 213 million won) in overtime pay last year, totaling $299,160 (approximately 352 million won).

However, despite the high salaries, American sanitation workers are reportedly complaining of overwork due to staff shortages.

Joshua Goodman of the New York City Department of Sanitation stated, "At one point, 25% of the department’s members tested positive for COVID-19 or were placed under self-quarantine. To maintain sanitation services, we had no choice but to have sanitation workers work 12-hour shifts year-round with overtime."

He added, "Even with fewer staff, the workload does not change," and "We have always worked hard to provide New Yorkers with clean and safe streets."

Meanwhile, Peter Warren, research director at the Public Policy Center, pointed out that COVID-19 exposed labor inefficiencies in the New York City Department of Sanitation. He said, "Chronically high absenteeism and inefficient union labor rules have long contributed to excessive overtime pay levels in the sanitation department."

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