Handling of looming bin strike branded 'a disgrace'

TRADE union Unite has branded Wrexham Council's handling of an industrial dispute with bin workers a ‘disgrace’.

- By ALEC DOYLE

The authority is facing months of strike action by around 100 members of its Streetscene team after announcing changes to their working patterns.

The changes would see Bank Holiday Monday bin collections changed to the Saturday following a bank holiday.

They argue that makes Saturday working now compulsory and that employees will face disciplinary action if they do not attend.

The changes will also see Streetscene operatives lose half-a-day’s pay every bank holiday, saving Wrexham Council an estimated £100,000.

Union representatives, council bosses and councillors convened a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) on Wednesday for talks aimed at preventing industrial action. According to Cllr Marc Jones and Unite, a way forward was agreed.

But minutes after the meeting, Wrexham Council issued a statement which sparked fierce criticism.

In it, Interim Chief Executive Alwyn Jones said: “Wrexham Council are disappointed that Unite are progressing with this action. Streetscene remains an important service that is delivered to the public and over the years significant support has been put in place to develop this part of the workforce.