Strike action is due to take place at five household waste and recycling centres in Sheffield from Wednesday (October 29), in a dispute over pay for workers.
The GMB trade union has called the strikes over a failure to secure an agreement on premium pay for weekend and overtime working, as well as better toilet and shower facilities for its members.
HWRCs affected by the dispute include Beighton Road in Woodhouse, Blackstock Road in Gleadless, Manchester Road in Deepcar, Greaves Lane in High Green, and Longley Avenue West, Shirecliffe.
The five Sheffield city council owned-sites are currently run by The Green Company, which is subcontracted by waste management company Veolia.
The ‘continuous’ industrial action follows nine days of strikes at the HWRCs held from October 1, as well as closures at the Deepcar and High Green sites over the weekend.
And, while GMB declared to have secured a living wage for its members in the recycling centres in April 2014, it claims that its representatives have been issued with ‘disciplinary letters’ after previous strike action.
‘Fair’
Peter Davies, GMB regional officer, argued members were striking for a ‘fair share of the money allocated for this vital service’.
Mr Davies said: “”GMB members are taking strike action over premium rates, welfare facilities and bullying. We know the company can afford to provide these basic conditions but they will not budge.
He added: “GMB has a long tradition of ensuring that our members are not bullied or starved into submission. GMB members are striking for a fair share of the money allocated for this vital service and end to the bullying.”
Veolia confirmed there would be ‘minor disruptions’ to the HWRC service but said information on specific opening times will be made available closer to the time.
A spokeswoman for Veolia said: “As with previous events, Veolia will work closely with The Green Company so that sufficient recycling services can be provided to residents during this period. Further information about specific opening times will be made available closer to the time and on the Veolia website.
“The Green Company, the subcontractor that runs Sheffield’s five HWRCs, and the GMB have not yet been able to resolve their dispute. However plans are in place to make recycling services available during the period of any strike action. Veolia is continuing to support the Green Company and encouraging discussions so that issues can be resolved as quickly as possible.”
Hours
It is not the first time that the GMB has disputed conditions at the HWRCs, after the council announced changes to operating hours would result in redundancies for seven workers in 2012 (see letsrecycle.com story).
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