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.'

Half a century in the chamber image

Half a century in the chamber

Cllr Dr James Walsh was elected to Arun District Council in 1975. Here he tells LocalGov what he's learned about trust, transformation and keeping it local.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Director of Legal and Governance

Cumbria Combined Authority
£109,000
The new Cumbria Combined Authority has been established to unlock that potential. Cumbria
Recuriter: Cumbria Combined Authority

Executive Director of Finance

Cumbria Combined Authority
£131,000
The new Cumbria Combined Authority has been established to unlock that potential. Cumbria
Recuriter: Cumbria Combined Authority

Reviewing Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £28,142 - £31,022 (pay award pending)
We are looking to appoint a full time Reviewing Officer working within a Countywide Adult Care Learning Disability Review Team overseeing the annual r Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata (Pay award pending)
Permanent, Part time. Term time only. 11.30am to 1.00pm daily The Governors of Red Rose Primary School wish to appoint two enthusiastic and motivated Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Ugobus Driver - Clacton

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.00 per annum + pension
Ugobus Driver - ClactonPermanent, Part Time£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner