‘Too macho’ binmen told to slow down

REFUSE WORKERS CARRYING TOO MUCH RUBBISH AND NOT TAKING BREAKS :

THERE’S a big problem with a ‘macho culture’ among binmen in Salford - and it’s affecting their health.

But 80 refuse workers - all men who collect wheelie bins across the city have now decided to cut out practices which get the job done faster but risk triggering illnesses and injury.

Often, workers carry two bins full of rubbish to the wagon at a time. Doing one at a time - as they should - is seen as ‘soft.’ Binmen also often work through their breaks and don’t rest while they’re on shift.

But binmen recently met and decided to stick stringently to the rules, instead of overworking to ensure they get the job done.

Union chiefs are now preparing to meet with council bosses to discuss the impact of the move on collections and the time it takes to do them. There are concerns workers slowing down could mean bins left on the street unemptied. One binman said: “If we work this way there will be loads of bins left out and possibly rubbish piling up.” Steve North, branch secretary of Salford City Unison, said: “Refuse workers met this week as there is an issue with their own health and safety. “It is not a work-to-rule - that would require a formal ballot. “They have a way of carrying out work which is not always in their best interests. “They are only supposed to drag one bin at a time to a wagon, but they have been double binning carrying two at one time. They also do not take their breaks. “I must stress, they have not been instructed by their employers to do either of these things. They have settled into a way of doing the job.

“It is a bit of a macho culture and there is also some peer pressure - if someone begins by just dragging one bin he can be viewed by some as a bit soft.

“We held a meeting and it was agreed we are going to change. We have to do it together.

“Everyone takes a break and stops double binning.

“They have been working flat out to the detriment of themselves, with the result being a huge impact on their bodies.

“That can mean illness and an increase in sickness levels, which does not help management either.

“There is no work-to-rule, or dispute but we will meet with management to discuss the situation.”

Asked if the move would mean the council would have to recruit more refuse workers to make sure all bins were emptied on schedule, Mr North said ‘possibly.’

David Seager from the place directorate at Salford council said: “We’ve informally been made aware of some concerns so we’ll meet with our employees to discuss them.”

They have a way of carrying out work which is not always in their best interests

Steve North, Salford City Unison