Unite press release, Tuesday, 27 November 2012
Veolia bosses are urged to ‘get back around the table’ or risk rubbish piling up on the streets of Bromley in London this Christmas, after binmen vote overwhelmingly for strike action.
The refuse workers, members of the union Unite, have returned a solid yes vote for strike action with 81.8% voting in favour on a 55% turnout, over the sacking of four colleagues for alleged gross misconduct.
The four were sacked in a row over removing ‘excess’ garden rubbish at the request of a resident for payment – an allegation that has since proved to be false after an internal appeals process uncovered that no money changed hands.
Despite the finding Veolia has refused to reinstate the four workers who have more than 100 years of experience between them. The company blames its client, Bromley council, for preventing the men’s return.
Unite will consult with its members before announcing strike dates.
Onay Kasab, Unite regional officer, said: “We have warned all along that our members would vote to defend their workmates, unjustly sacked for going the extra mile.
“This is a vote for fairness and a stand for solidarity. Veolia bosses can no longer stick their heads in the sand – they got it wrong – it’s time to get back around the table and give the men their jobs back.
“Bromley Council needs to stop meddling in this dispute and let Unite and Veolia settle the matter. If it doesn’t, it will only have itself to blame when the bins are not emptied this Christmas”.
