Following the heat-related death of Baltimore City Department of Public Works employee Ronald Silver II, city and union leaders are demanding more protection for DPW workers. Silver, who was 36, sought help at a resident's home after his shift but tragically passed away due to what was later identified as extreme heat exhaustion. His death has acted as a catalyst for a public outcry to overhaul safety and working conditions for city employees. According to a report by WBALTV, the coalition of leaders convened Tuesday morning to issue an ultimatum and call for action.

Patrick Moran, president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Maryland Council 3, was outspoken about the need for immediate improvements, saying, "Management has to get off its ass and do its job." The urgency to address what is considered a culture of cruelty, disrespect, and indifference within the DPW, as detailed by WBALTV. The union has put forth a set of demands that includes the adoption of Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards on heat and regular health training for all city employees.

DPW halted city-wide collections briefly to conduct mandatory heat safety training for employees, a measure that some workers criticized as being too delayed. Stancil McNair, a sanitation worker for over a decade, shared in an interview, as cited by FOX 45, "They waited until somebody actually died to start caring." The calls for change extend to advocating for an Inspector General appointee to investigate DPW's working conditions and the implementation of workplace culture training.

Funeral arrangements for Ronald Silver II have been announced, with viewing and services to be held at the Wylie Funeral Home, followed by burial at King Memorial Park.