Five Long Beach refuse operators are speaking publicly about what they describe as unsafe working conditions, heavy workloads and a shortage of operational collection trucks—problems they say are contributing to injuries and leaving some routes unfinished.
During an exclusive group interview with NBC4, all five workers raised their hands when asked whether they believe the department is understaffed. All five also raised their hands when asked whether they believe current working conditions are unsafe.
The city says all 114 of its budgeted refuse operator positions are filled. The workers, however, claim 23 operators are currently out because of job-related injuries…