GMB calls strikes at 5 recycling plants

The workers' union GMB says the cuts mean shorter opening hours and loss of work for its members and are causing safety problems.

The cuts stem from government attacks on funding but GMB says they are disproportionate.

It also says reduced hours are causing "massive queues" at the Sheffield City Council recycling centres, with heavy wagons moving skips as pedestrians walk by.

GMB regional officer Peter Davies said: "The 50 per cent budget cut for the recycling centres, leading to a dramatic drop in opening hours and less hours for staff, is not acceptable to our members and will not deliver a service that is fit and safe for purpose for the people of Sheffield."

The dispute started in May. The workforce has already taken 28 days of strike action.

"GMB have served notice that we intend to call weekend strikes from this coming weekend," said Mr Davies.

The running of the recycling centres is contracted out to charity SOVA.

Mr Davies said the budget had been cut from £1.2m to less than £700,000. While other services were facing 30 per cent cuts "that is more like a 50 per cent cut and at a time when demand has increased."

He said: "The answer from the council, Veolia and SOVA to this problem has been simple - cut the opening hours dramatically and reduce the hours of the workforce. This isn't going to be acceptable to our members."

The union wants talks with the council.

newsed@peoples-press.com