The $50 is probably not worth their time as for one they are doing the sorting and are getting paid crap for it. They most likely don't like the sorting and additionally you mentioned that they don't always get money for it. In any case I think it is a bit about being fair and these guys probably feel like they are doing most of the work and are getting not much for it. Just my 0.02. My suggestion would be to buy them lunch and beer and bond through it. If they consider you as their own, then they might not want to screw you over.
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