Thomas Bridge 14 August 2015

Strike plans spark fears of 'stinking bins' in borough

A borough has been warned it could face 'stinking bins' as 100 refuse collectors plan two days of strikes over a pay dispute.

Workers employed by Veolia for Bromley Council could walk out on 24 August and 3 and 4 of September over what trade union Unite described as 'years of below inflation pay awards'.

Around 100 trade union members voted 85% in favour of the strike dates.

Employees were said to be 'angry' and 'very unhappy' over recent pay rises.

Bromley Council has seen its services bought to a halt multiple times this year over industrial action as trade unions take action over 'mass privatisation' at the town hall.

This latest threat of action would see rubbish collection falling a day behind in August, with efforts to catch up on services hampered by the second walkout at the beginning of September.

Unite regional officer Onay Kasab said: 'Workers are angry, as they have to cover heavier and heavier workloads following a number of rounds being cut.

'For years they have had below inflation pay rises - but now that inflation has dropped, the employers are happy to use it as a bench mark - so it's a catch-and-match up claim.

'This is a very unhappy and demoralised workforce, being asked to take on more work but not being recognised for it.

'Veolia has a final chance for talks - we urge them to take that opportunity. The alternative is for the strike to go-ahead with the prospect of uncollected dustbins causing a stink in the late summer sunshine.'

Cllr Colin Smith, executive councillor for environment, said: 'Unite’s latest attempt to manufacture a pointless politically motivated strike helps neither the collection crews nor Bromley residents in the slightest. I remain hopeful that the majority of Veolia employees will consider all the issues carefully, refuse to allow themselves to be used in this manner and that common-sense will prevail.'

A spokesperson for Veolia in Bromley said: 'We have been notified this morning of possible strike action in Bromley and are seeking to work closely with Unite to resolve this situation.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Housing Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £48.50 per hour
Principal Housing Lawyer - Epping Forest District Council Epping, Essex£37.82 PAYE / £48.50 Umbrella Full-Time, Temporary 36 Hours per Week Closing Da England, Essex, Epping
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Part Time Mobile Library Supervisor (HGV Class 2 Driver)

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Mobile Library Supervisor (HGV Class 2 Driver)Fixed Term, Part Time£25,959 to £28,621 Per Annum, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of Practice Development (Adult Social Care)

City of York Council
City of York Council
Recuriter: City of York Council

Head of Service, Operations (Adult Social Care)

City of York Council
£60,662 to £68,265 plus reviewable market supplement up to £79,480 alongside an attractive benefits package and relocation support.
York is at an important point in the development of our Adult Social Care services. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: City of York Council

Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Team Manager

Essex County Council
£550.0000 - £600.0000 per day
Pre-Construction Housing Delivery Team Manager - Harlow District CouncilHarlow District CouncilTemporary, Full Time£550.00 - £600.00 per day/umbrellaL England, Essex, Harlow
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner