Industrial Action Impact on Bin Collections

Households and businesses are being advised there will be no bin collections across South Tyneside during the period of planned industrial action being taken by the Council's refuse collectors.

The Council has received formal notification from GMB and Unite Trade Unions of their members' intention to take industrial action from 14 to 17 November inclusive.

Services affected include the collection of the grey household refuse bin, blue recycling bin, green garden waste bin and Trade Waste.

Residents are advised not to put their grey, blue or green bins out during the four days of action.

The dispute relates to operational issues raised earlier this year. An independent investigation which was commissioned in September is underway. Despite the ongoing investigation, the Council is committed to resolving the dispute and discussions are continuing.

A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: "We understand that any disruption to waste and recycling services is difficult for both residents and businesses.

"We always work with Trade Unions when specific issues are raised.

"Though we are disappointed they are planning to take this course of action before the outcome of the independent investigation, we remain committed to resolving the dispute through ongoing dialogue, mediation and conciliation. These discussions continue.

"Meanwhile, we are preparing for industrial action by Trade Union members.

"We have undertaken a thorough review of the service and unfortunately due to the proportion of the workforce expected to strike and the scale of disruption caused, we will not be able to empty bins until after the industrial action has ended, with bin collections resuming as normal from Tuesday 21 November.

"We appeal for patience during this time and politely ask that in preparation residents reduce their waste as much as they can and continue to recycle responsibly."

On the days leading up to the strike, and in the weeks after, residents and businesses are advised to continue to put their bins out as normal.

Though operatives are currently taking action short of strike which is impacting on the delivery of services ahead of full industrial action next week.

The Recycling Village will remain open throughout with additional booking slots being made available to residents during November.

The Recycling Village will be open every day from 9am to 6pm. Book a slot at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/recyclingvillage

For further information visit the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/binsandrecycling