Bin men dispute raises concerns over the recycling in Sandwell

• Mar. 5 by Liam Richardson (0)

Bin men in Sandwell are in the process of planning a strike action, which if agreed on, may have a heavy impact on recycling collections in the area.

The threat of strike is due to the implementation of the Single Status deal to equalise pay and conditions  across the country.

According to representatives of both GMB and Unite the Union – two of the three union organisations representing workers - people who do the recycling are most likely to be part of the strike.

Of the proposed strike action, they said:

‘We would hope they would support their brothers.’

In response, Councillor Mahboob Hussain, Sandwell Council‘s deputy leader and cabinet member of neighbourhoods and housing said:

‘I can assure residents we will endeavour to provide a waste and recycling service should there be any industrial action.”

I am very surprised by the threat of industrial action because the unions have played a full part in the single status procedure over a long period of time.

If the unions wish to ballot their members that is a matter entirely for them.

We will not speculate on what may or may not happen.’

Other councils have already implemented this scheme without problems, but the unions served notice on February 26.

Members of Unite the Union have until March 10 to return their ballots and members of other unions have similar deadlines.