Trade unions have warned of an “ensuing backlog” of waste in East Dunbartonshire, as some council waste workers prepare for strike action next month.
Unite said members working at the Scottish council’s waste facilities are planning a further four days of strike action beggining on 12 July.
Two other trade unions – Unison and GMB – have also served notice to take industrial action during the same period.
“Councils want to support communities and protect the vulnerable, but we are starting to see the harsh reality of years of lack of proper investment in local government starting to bite.”
Cllr Gail Macgregor
COSLA
According to Unite, the dispute centres on East Dunbartonshire council’s proposals to cut the terms and conditions of the workforce including. This includes a reduction of three days annual leave, the removal of enhanced overtime rates, extension of the working day and cuts to facilities management cleaning, Unite says, which will “significantly impact” on the terms and conditions of its lowest paid members.
‘Significant pressure’
Following the news, COSLA – which reports to be a voice for local government in Scotland – has highlighted “ongoing significant pressure” faced by Scottish councils, “particularly from pay and increasing demand for essential services”.
“Councils will do everything they can to manage pressures through savings but with income generation restricted by the Scottish Government there is often little scope for manoeuvre,” resources spokesperson, Cllr Gail Macgregor said.
“Councils want to support communities and protect the vulnerable, but we are starting to see the harsh reality of years of lack of proper investment in local government starting to bite.”
East Dunbartonshire council includes two town of Kirkintilloch and suburbs of Glasgow. The announcement follows action taken by trade union members working for the council in June.
Action
Kenny Jordan, Unite industrial officer said: “Following our successful action in June, we’ve always signified to East Dunbartonshire Council that this fight goes on until the threat of cuts are removed.
“We regret the disruption to the service for the residents of East Dunbartonshire Council over this period, but the Councils intransigence gives us no other option.”
Simon Macfarlane, UNISON regional organiser added: “The Council can be in no doubt about the resolve of our members as the massive participation levels show. This further action targeting waste will mean no collection for four days and an ensuing backlog.
“The residents of East Dunbartonshire will be significantly inconvenienced. Our members don’t want to strike but they have no option,” he added.
East Dunbartonshire council includes the town of Kirkintilloch and suburbs of Glasgow. It has a population of around 105,000.
Meanwhile GMB Scotland organiser Hazel Nolan warned of a ‘summer of discontent’ unless cuts are repealed. “Our members are sick and tired trying to make ends meet while doing more for less and this latest instalment of austerity shame is the final straw.”
“The total lack of consultation with their employees and frankly, their cowardice in failing to face striking staff on the pickets lines speak volumes.”
Response
In response, the council it was “disappointed” by the news and that assessments on service impacts are ongoing for both proposed strike action and action short of strike action.
Joint council leader Andrew Polson said: “This notification of further strike action raises concerns over the unions’ commitment to resolving this dispute through constructive discussion.”
The council said further strike action has been called by: GMB for waste operatives based at Hilton Depot and Mavis Valley Recycling Centre; by Unison for waste operatives; and by Unite for all members based in Hilton Depot on Thursday 12, Friday 13, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July.
The council said discussions with trades unions will continue with meetings set up over the coming weeks.
The post Waste operatives to strike in East Dunbartonshire appeared first on letsrecycle.com.
Source: letsrecycle.com General
