Strike dates announced across the next month over a culture of bullying and safety issues
On Tuesday 31st August at 5.30am Serco Sandwell refuse workers will take the first in a series of strike actions against the firm’s “total failure” to resolve a management culture of bullying and harassment, affecting waste collections for over 60,000 households in the Sandwell Council area.
Ahead of the first strike on Tuesday, the workers' union GMB has also hit out the leadership of Sandwell Council for its refusal to confront attacks on basic workers’ rights by its statutory service providers.
Strikes will also take place at the same time on Tuesday 7th, 14th and 21st September.
Workers have complained of breaches in health and safety and a culture of bullying from management.
Justine Jones, GMB Regional Organiser said:
“These are key workers who done so much for all of us over the last eighteen months, but their rights and dignity at work have been trampled on by Serco management.
“We’ve tried to eradicate this unacceptable culture, but our members have been left with no other options but to strike. The blame lies squarely at the door of Serco and Sandwell Council leadership who would rather turn a blind eye to it.”
“We will continue to have discussions with Serco to try and resolve these issues but unfortunately, their response has come too late to prevent industrial action from going ahead.
