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

Technical and Support Officers

Durham County Council
£30,024 to £33,699 p.a. (Grade 7) Pay Award pending
Do you have a passion for improving services, solving problems and making the most of technology?  If so, we want to hear from you! We're seeking two Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Technician

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 (Pay award pending)
WHAT IS INVOLVED?    Are you passionate about live events, theatre, and bringing unforgettable experiences to life? We're looking for a Technician to Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Welfare Rights Officers

Durham County Council
£35,412 to £39,152 p.a. (Grade 9) Pay Award pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Durham County Council for two Welfare Rights Officers, on a two-year fixed term basis. WHAT IS INVOLVED? Th Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Waste Recycling Non HGV Driver Chargehand

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £28,142 - £31,022 per annum (Pay award pending)
Are you an experienced driver with strong leadership skills? We’re looking for a Non-HGV Driver Chargehand to join our Waste and Recycling team. In t Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Instructor - Essex Outdoors

Essex County Council
£26840.0000 - £31576.0000 per annum
Senior Instructor - Essex Outdoors Mersea and Essex Outdoors HarlowPermanent, Full Time£26,840 to £31,576 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner