CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
More money, longer vacation, and collective bargaining were just some of the demands Charlotte city workers discussed with local leaders Monday night.
About 100 city workers filled the city council chamber, following an hour long picket outside.
Dozens have protested before, but Monday was the first time they addressed council members in a public forum.
Most of the workers asked for higher wages, longer vacation benefits and collective bargaining. North Carolina currently allows unions, but does not recognize them, or collective bargaining. Many council members sympathized, but hinted their hands are tied, with the state law.
"It just keeps getting worse and worse," said city worker, James Locklear.
Over the summer, the new city budget allowed for a three percent raise for city employees, but Locklear says it sounds better on paper.
"Everyone is not getting a three percent. Someone's getting a two percent and someone's getting a one percent and some are getting nothing and the insurance is going up 10 percent," he said.
City Manager Curt Walton said he will prepare a report on the issue and get back to the council. The next regularly scheduled meeting is on September 24th.
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