We are aware of potentially misleading information being put out on social media, stating that unofficial industrial action is being undertaken by some members of staff resulting in a high number of missed bin collections throughout the borough.
Following a decision made by Sandwell Council and their waste partner Serco to reduce the number of collection rounds that they have, GMB have raised concerns regarding safety at work. We believe that Serco have not taken their own safe working practices into account when decreasing the rounds.
We have made attempts to meet with Serco and bring a speedy resolution to this issue, to allow our members to deliver the service to the residents of Sandwell. We can not, and will not stand by whilst safety is put at risk and GMB will always challenge employers when safe work practices are not being followed.
Our members are currently following the safe working practices defined by Serco in their training inductions, but due to the increased workload following a reduction in the number of collection rounds, our members are unable to complete all collections without neglecting safe working practices – Darren James, GMB Sandwell Branch Secretary.
As a result of the reduction in rounds and increased workloads, along with members following Health and Safety practices which was in place via management, induction programmes and their legal duty under the Health & Safety at work Act (1974) there has been a delay to services.
GMB S85 Sandwell Community Branch confirm that no industrial action is being undertaken and our members are currently following the safe working practices defined by Serco.
Posted: 15th November 2019