MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Garbage union workers say that there is not enough working equipment to pick up trash in Memphis.

Workers who did not want to be identified told WREG the garbage trucks they use to pick up trash are often in the shop, and workers end up waiting around with no trucks to drive.

“It makes it real hard when you don’t have the proper tools to use,” said one worker.

“We don’t really have any equipment to work with.  I know the shop over there trying their best to get things up. But as soon as they get it up it breaks back down,” said the worker.

A leader in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union said during an appearance on local radio this week that angry customers had threatened some workers.

But on Friday, the leader says the union is holding off making any further comments to the media as it gathers info from other unions and awaits what the City will do.

WREG contacted the City, and they admitted their maintenance department is working long hours and brought on additional staff to help with equipment issues.

As of yesterday, they say 70 vehicles were down, but the city said they have placed orders for equipment in the budget.

They hope to have 23 pieces of equipment this summer and fall and 29 pieces in 2026. But for some sanitation workers, the frustration grows.

“I just been here 33 years come past July 1. The truck messed up. The supervisor don’t want to do right,” said a worker. “And they talk about giving the younger folks a pension and as long as we been here we ain’t got no pension.”

As for those threats reportedly made against sanitation workers, the City said the safety of the team is a top priority and encourages all workers to call 911 for any threat of violence.