The union, which is the UK’s second largest, said that for more than a fortnight workers had demanded Biffa introduce strict social distancing measures. Unite claims the company is still instructing workforces of up to three crew members to share a cab on refuse rounds.
However, Biffa says it strongly refutes Unite’s claim it has failed to take the health concerns of its employees seriously.
Unite regional officer Steven Gerrard said: “For over a fortnight Unite has been trying to ensure that Biffa introduced measures to protect our members and they have failed to do so.
“We have been calling for an urgent meeting to find a safe workable solution to our member’s health concerns, but these calls have been ignored.
“Our members have informed us that enough is enough, and they will not continue to have their health and the health of their families placed at needless risk. Other councils and contractors have introduced measures to ensure social distancing, it is not rocket science and Biffa must take immediate measures to ensure the safety of its workforce.”
Unite notes yesterday’s walkout is unconnected to a separate ongoing pay dispute.
Refuted
Biffa has managed recycling and refuse collection services on behalf of the Merseyside borough since taking over the contract from Veolia in 2006. It signed a 10-year extension to its contract with Wirral council in January 2015 (see letsrecycle.com story).
“We strongly refute Unite’s claim that we have failed to take the health concerns of our employees seriously”
A spokesperson for Biffa said: “We strongly refute Unite’s claim that we have failed to take the health concerns of our employees seriously.
“We have worked proactively and closely with the union over the recent weeks and have given their union representatives direct access to the Wirral site manager, which has ensured regular and close dialogue.
“We are closely monitoring and strictly following the guidance set out by both Public Health England and the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum.
“We are confident that we are adhering to the expert advice given to our industry and all reasonable and practical measures are being taken at our Wirral site.
“In this time of crisis, our focus is on making sure we continue to protect and support our staff whilst delivering critical waste management services which operating businesses and the public are relying on, with as little disruption as possible.”
Biffa says it remains fully open to further conversation with the union.
Guidance
Guidance published by the UK’s Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH) on 2 April suggests consideration should be given to reducing the number of persons who share cab space to help waste sector employees follow social-distancing advice (see letsrecycle.com story). However, this guidance is not prescriptive on cab numbers and is just one of a range of measures, the most significant being that workers who are ill should not be in work.
“We urge operators, local authorities and unions to respect and follow the guidance provided by WISH”
Jacob Hayler, the executive director of the Environmental Services Association, said: “The guidance provided by WISH, which was developed in consultation with public health authorities, is clear that the risk posed by multiple operatives sharing a cab is low if all other hygiene rules are followed diligently.
“We urge operators, local authorities and unions to respect and follow the guidance provided by WISH and Defra to ensure vital collection services can continue safely across the country during this crisis.”
Subscribe for free