Council hits back at MP's comments on bin dispute

Kate Osborne has been Labour MP for Jarrow since 2019

A council has defended itself against criticism from an MP over its handling of a long-running bin dispute.

Labour MP for Jarrow Kate Osborne had claimed that two bin workers had been unfairly suspended, while a trade union representative had been the target of "victimisation".

South Tyneside Council said Ms Osborne's comments did not "accurately reflect the current situation".

It added that the two workers were suspended over "health and safety concerns", separate to anything regarding recent industrial action.

Bin workers were due for a two-week walkout beginning on 1 May, but returned to work on 7 May after talks between the council and union representatives.

Several rounds of strikes have taken place since November 2023 in a row over bullying allegations.

'Undermine' industrial relations

In her statement, Ms Osborne accused the council of "continuing to undermine" industrial relations.

The Jarrow MP said that workers had told her that they would unsuspend their action and take further strike action imminently.

She also called for "constructive and reasonable" behaviour from the council so as not to risk the progress that had been made at the start of the month.

The council said that it had been working to deliver the "agreed action plan", which was approved and signed by both parties.

This included investment in balancing the bin rounds and upgrading equipment.

It also stated that the two workers were suspended after "concerns were raised" over vehicle safety and that it was not an attempt to "undermine industrial relations" or put at risk the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed earlier this month.