The refuse and recycling collection service (including bulk uplift) is experiencing operational difficulties, which has resulted in delays across Pollokshields Ward. This has been caused by a ‘work to rule’ being taken in respect of the introduction of a new working pattern which will provide 7 day refuse collection services throughout the area from February 2010. The introduction of this new working practice was agreed between Glasgow City Council and trade unions in August of this year.
Land and Environmental Services is continuing to use all the resources at its disposal in order to minimise the impact of this disruption to the service. Action is being taken against any employee failing to work in a reasonable manner. Recent service reforms have also allowed Land and Environmental Services to deploy generic workers in order to address the backlog in refuse collection.
Difficulties are still being experienced and already alternative resources have been redeployed in order to assist. This situation has rightly resulted in an increase in complaints which David has raised with Land and Environmental Services.
Residents serviced by the kerbside wheeled bin routes can assist by ensuring all refuse is contained within the bin and the bin lid closed completely. Any waste presented outside the bin will not be collected. Any bins not serviced on their scheduled collection day should be re-presented the following day.
Residents serviced by the backcourt collection service should continue to present their waste at the designated location for uplift.
All residents should be discouraged from placing bulk uplift items at the kerbside until this situation has been resolved.
The extent of this disruption and delay to collections varies across the city. This situation is being monitored on a daily basis with managers and supervisors receiving daily reports in order that they may prioritise the resources at their disposal.
As a result of discussions with management, early indications are that employees will return to ‘normal working’ from Monday 16 November at some depots. In the meantime regular meetings are taking place with the relevant trade union representatives in an attempt to ensure the implementation of this component of the Council’s Service Reform process.
If you have any urgent or particular concerns you should report these to the Customer Care Centre on 0141 287 9700 or alternatively contact David direct.
