Cardiff bin strike extended for another four weeks

Bin collection disruption will extend into February

A strike by bin collectors in Cardiff is set to continue into February after unions announced a four-week extension.

Unite said its members at Cardiff council, who have been on strike since 28 December, will not finish their action on 25 January as intended, but will continue until 22 February.

This is over a lack of progress by the council on issues such as widespread bullying and agency labour, it said.

Cardiff council described the move as "very disappointing and unnecessary".

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: "Rather than seeking to resolve this strike, Cardiff council seem intent on worsening industrial relations.

"The council's priority should be dealing with the bullying culture within the refuse and recycling department and ending the practice of workers waiting four years for a permanent employment contract."

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Unite members have entered their 14th week of industrial action since September 2023.

Cardiff council said it had "attempted to respond positively and has sought to find a way forward" with Unite.

It said it has offered, among other things, to conduct an investigation into Unite's bullying claims, review pay scales, work through pay issues and review its disciplinary policy.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham claimed Cardiff council "seem intent on worsening industrial relations"

The council also said it has offered to implement changes to its fair work policy, reducing the qualifying time for agency workers to be offered temporary contracts from 24 to 12 months.

A spokesman said: "It's the council's view that the implementation of these matters would make a substantial impact in addressing any genuine concerns held by Unite members.

"Nevertheless, we will continue to engage with Unite, as we have been throughout the past few months, to try and end the dispute and avoid disruption to residents."