Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by paying tribute to his advocacy for the rights and welfare of sanitation workers. Dr. King's fight for economic justice during the 1968 sanitation workers' strike in Memphis, Tennessee continues to inspire solid waste professionals, not only in Tampa but across the country.

Solid Waste workers in Tampa will gather on Friday, January 12, 2024, to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They will start by viewing a touching video tribute and then proceed to decorate the department's float for the City of Tampa's MLK Parade. This event serves as a reminder of the hard-fought battle for fair treatment and safe working conditions that took place 56 years ago.

The sanitation workers' strike in Memphis began on February 1, 1968, after two garbage collectors were tragically crushed to death by a malfunctioning truck. Thirteen hundred black men went on strike, demanding recognition of their union, better safety standards, and a decent wage. They were forced to work with dilapidated trucks and endure late-night shifts without overtime pay.

The strike gained momentum on February 12, 1968, when Memphis sanitation and public works employees joined the protest. They not only fought for a decent living wage and safe working conditions but also demanded the recognition of their humanity and dignity. They proudly wore signs that read "I Am a Man."

Dr. King arrived in Memphis on March 18, 1968, and addressed a crowd of approximately 25,000 strikers. He urged them to support the sanitation strike by participating in a citywide work stoppage. Dr. King promised to return a few days later to lead a protest through the city.

On March 28, 1968, Dr. King fulfilled his promise and led a march in downtown Memphis to show support for the sanitation workers. Unfortunately, violence erupted during the march, forcing Dr. King to be rushed away from the scene. Determined to continue his peaceful protest, Dr. King vowed to return to Memphis.

Tragically, on April 3, 1968, Dr. King returned to Memphis and delivered his final sermon, "I've Been to the Mountaintop," despite feeling ill. The next day, April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated on the balcony of room 306 at the Lorraine Motel. His death sparked riots throughout the country. In response, President Lyndon B. Johnson tasked Undersecretary of Labor James Reynolds with negotiating a solution to end the strike.

Four days after Dr. King's assassination, on April 8, 1968, an estimated 42,000 people, led by Coretta Scott King, silently marched through Memphis to honor Dr. King and demand that the mayor meet the union's requests.

Finally, on April 16, 1968, negotiators reached a deal that allowed the City Council to recognize the union and guarantee a better wage for the sanitation workers. Although the agreement brought an end to the strike, the union had to threaten another strike several months later to ensure the city followed through with its commitment.

In remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the City of Tampa Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management team will be participating in the City of Tampa's MLK Parade on Monday, January 15, 2024. The parade, held at Cuscaden Park, will commence at noon and is open to the public.

The City of Tampa Solid Waste Department's tribute to Dr. King serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for fair treatment and safe working conditions for all. Dr. King's advocacy for sanitation workers continues to inspire and motivate solid waste professionals, who understand the significance of honoring those who came before them in the ongoing pursuit of economic justice.