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

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Family Help Team Manager

Gloucestershire County Council
£54,143- £56,293 per annum
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team supporting disabled children and young people Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Fostering Social Worker

Gloucestershire County Council
£40,444 - £48,738 per annum (pro rata for part-time staff)
This marks an important step in our journey to improve outcomes for our children and young people Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Family Help Team Leader (SW)

Gloucestershire County Council
£49,817 - £53,051 per annum
This marks an important step in our journey to improve outcomes for our children and young people Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Repairs Operations Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
P09 - £71,181 - £74,802
You'll be responsible for leading the delivery of a high-performing, resident-focused repairs service London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner