Indefinite bin strike looms as workers ballot

Rubbish has remained uncollected during previous action

Refuse workers on South Tyneside are being balloted over indefinite strike action in the latest episode of a long-running dispute.

It follows several rounds of industrial action since November over bullying allegations.

The GMB Union said there has been "a blatant case of trade union discrimination", with some members suspended since the previous period of action.

South Tyneside Council said this was unconnected with union activity and the ballot call was at "odds with the factual position".

The ballot of union members will close on 14 June.

'Entirely misleading'

GMB accused the council of not listening to workers' concerns and of suspending 10% per cent of the workforce.

Regional organiser, Mark Wilson, said: "Refuse workers in South Tyneside are at the end of their tether.

"We are in this situation because council management thought suspending workers was a better idea than listening to their concerns; a blatant case of trade union victimisation.

"Any future disruption is entirely their doing. And is within their power to stop."

South Tyneside Council confirmed that a GMB workplace representative was suspended pending an HR investigation, but it was with regard to health and safety issues,.

The authority said it was "entirely false" that it was related to union activities.

A spokesperson said: “It is inappropriate for the GMB to ask the workforce to make decisions on such matters without being afforded an accurate understanding of the issue.

"It is unjust, inaccurate and entirely misleading and further strike action would be inexcusable.

“We want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to resolve issues, to get back to providing a vital service for our residents, and we look to GMB and the workforce to do the same."