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 Housing Enforcement Officer

Lewisham London Borough Council
£49,155 to £51,228 per annum
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! Lewisham, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Lewisham London Borough Council

Housing Standards Team Leader (copy)

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 up to £47,181 per annum
The purpose of our Service is to provide quality, affordable, healthy, and sustainable homes Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Housing Standards Team Leader

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 up to £47,181 per annum
The purpose of our Service is to provide quality, affordable, healthy, and sustainable homes Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Trainee Solicitor - Governance and Commercial

Wakefield Council
Grade 6 - Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Commissioning Coordinator

Essex County Council
£36531.0000 - £42977.0000 per annum
Commissioning CoordinatorFixed Term contract until 30th Sept 2027Full Time, 37 hours per week£36,531 to £42,977 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner