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

Assistant Director Children’s Partnerships and Sufficiency

North Yorkshire Council
£100,545 to £111,533 plus relocation support  
North Yorkshire is England’s largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils
£146,697
As Deputy Chief Executive – Corporate & Communities, you will guide cultural transition, manage competing priorities Oxfordshire
Recuriter: South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district councils

Residential Support Worker - Development Programme

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598
Residential Support Workers – Temporary 12 Month development opportunity Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Domestic Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,796 - £25,185 pro rata p.a
If you are someone who takes pride in creating clean, safe, and welcoming environment and enjoy making a difference in people’s daily lives through at Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaning Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £24,796 p.a. pro rata to hours worked (£12.85 per hour)
Are you looking for work that fits around your schedule and lifestyle? A permanent post is available at The Grove Primary School, Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner