Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Virus fears spark binmen strike vote
Concerns over lack of protective equipment
Rubbish collectors and street cleaners this week threatened an all-out strike over coronavirus issues.
Members of the public services union Unite, who work for council contractors Medway Norse, voted unanimously for industrial action.
Their grievances, which include claims of a lack of protective gear and equipment, were due to be discussed at a meeting with management as we went to press yesterday (Wednesday).
If problems were not resolved, the next step would be a postal vote, which could lead to workers downing tools in five weeks’ time – in the middle of the outbreak sweeping the UK. Kevin Woods, Unite shop steward and convener, said: “We are not taking this lightly at this sensitive and precarious time. We are all husbands, parents and tax-payers.
“We have a commitment to the residents of the Medway community. Some have put notes on their bin bags saying thanks for continuing this service and we have been touched by this.” The union claims Medway Norse has failed to comply with health and safety and grievance policies, is not honouring outstanding holidays and has not effectively engaged with Unite and staff.
Medway Norse has so far declined to comment. Mr Woods added: “The current climate at Medway Norse mainly centres around the lack of health and safety provision, which would include things like access to suitable PPE [Personal Protective Equipment], hand sanitiser and masks.
“We are currently only issued with rubber gloves and wipes which are due to be rationed. We have no access to toilet facilities while on the road daily, leaving these provisions as our only defences.”
Mr Woods said there were concerns for members with underlying health conditions particularly. He said: “Our at risk members currently include those in cancer care, COPD, asthma, diabetes and heart problems.
“We would like these withdrawn immediately from the workplace on full pay for the duration as per government guidelines.
“We want assurances on pay for those with families at home. We are, as always, sympathetic to the current Covid-19 crisis and will always look to serve the communities of Medway throughout this time.
“We are all, however, fathers, sons, brothers, wives and sisters, many with families and, of course, concerned at this time. “Strike action is always the last resort, but the very lives of our members and staff must come first.
“We urge Norse Group to make the assurances we seek and to keep our staff safe and not to suffer financially through no fault of their own.”