Workers worry for their homes and lives after a key safety job was cut amid council pay raises and budget concerns.
Bin collectors worry about losing their homes and fear for their lives. The city cut the Waste Recycling job. Workers rallied outside the council building.
Council members recently got a pay raise. The workers say the cuts could cause injuries and even death. They are very angry and concerned about these potential outcomes.
Workers shared safety concerns at the protest, which was led by Unite the Union. They mentioned a worker’s death in Coventry where his coat caught in machinery.
One worker called the safety role cut “insanity” after the Coventry tragedy. He asked what the council was thinking, stating their mess is not their fault.
Another binman said the situation is dangerous and they risk their lives. Onay Kasab, who leads Unite nationally, said the council is acting carelessly.
Kasab stated the safety officer role is vital because it can prevent accidents. An officer could stop machinery if needed, preventing a tragedy.
Union members are angry about council raises while the council is cutting their taxpayer-funded pay. One worker said the commissioners don’t value them and give back nothing.
He said workers can’t take an £8,000 cut, emphasizing that the safety role is needed badly. He stated that it affects the city and residents, and he called the council raises disgusting.
Another worker fears telling his family they must move. Kids may need new schools due to cuts, and many families will face hardship.
A worker feels bad about overflowing bins. Union members also live in the city and don’t want to strike. Kasab said they lose pay and want investment.
Kasab wants council members to fight for services and demand funding from the government. Members are “outraged” by the pay boosts that leaders accepted.
The council needs to save £350 million, but they found extra money for themselves. Kasab called it appalling and emphasized that members fear the impact.
An £8,000 cut is hard for working people, and Kasab said it could cause people to lose homes. The council says they are resolving the dispute and seeking solutions for everyone.
They aim to limit disruption for residents, focusing instead on a reasonable conclusion. The council seeks a solution, working in everyone’s best interests, and taking employee safety seriously.
The council supports affected workers, with many workers taking redeployment options. They hope for the best result and want reliable service for the city.