William Eichler 15 December 2021

Coventry bin lorry drivers strike proposal ‘impractical’

Coventry bin lorry drivers strike proposal ‘impractical’  image

Coventry City Council has rejected a union proposal that bin lorry drivers work for one hour and then go on strike for another hour.

Bin lorry drivers working in the city council’s Waste Services who are members of the union Unite announced 10 days of strike action last week as part of a dispute over pay and Christmas working arrangements.

Unite has proposed that the drivers will work for one hour and then strike for another hour each day.

However, the council has rejected the proposal arguing that this would not be practical because standard safety and COVID-19 checks would take up too much of the working hour.

‘While we respect the democratic right of union members to take strike action, the proposals they had put forward were not acceptable,’ said Andrew Walster, director, Streetscene and Regulatory Services at Coventry City Council.

‘It would have resulted in an impractical working pattern that in reality would have seen hardly any bins emptied.

‘The chaos it would have caused means that we have taken the decision to tell the drivers not to work at all during the days they intend to strike. The bin collectors – who are not on strike – will be allocated to other roles on those days and I’d like to thank them for the ongoing help and understanding.’

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: 'You might expect a Labour council to be sympathetic to the low-pay plight of its bin drivers. But instead of a willingness to find a way, it’s been total intransigence from the council, combined with social media tirades against their own workers.

'They even seem to think they can dictate how and when our members can take legal action. They’re wrong about that as well. So Unite will defend the jobs, pay and conditions of our striking refuse drivers to the hilt.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Operations Co-ordinator

Wakefield Council
£16,030.50 - £17,217.00, Grade 7, 18.5 hours, Permanent
We are seeking one part time 18.5 hours per week Operations Co-ordinator position Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Residential Worker

Wakefield Council
£32,061.00 - £34,434.00, Grade 7, 37 hours, Permanent
Wakefield is ambitious for children and have adopted an innovative approach throughout its residential model. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Short Break Worker

Wakefield Council
£16,030.50 - £17,217.00, Grade 7, 18.5 hours, Permanent
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to work in our short break services for children and adults with disabilities. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Workplace Supervisor

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989 - £31,537 per annum
We’re looking for a proactive, hands-on individual to join us as a Workplace Supervisor.. Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner