Strike ballot for Islington refuse workers

Refuse workers in Islington, north London, are balloting for strike action over changes to recycling and collection rounds.

The workers, members of the GMB union, are employed by Accord ICSL (Islington Cleansing Services Limited).

Islington council has instructed the company to increase recycling and reduce domestic refuse collections.

A spokesman for the GMB said, “Changes to recycling have already caused severe disruption for local residents and crews have struggled to cope with increased workloads and longer hours.

“Accord is now attempting to impose changes on domestic refuse crews, which staff believe will lead to a worse service, increase workload and have a detrimental impact on health and safety.”

GMB organiser Gary Carter said, “Our members are not standing in the way of increases in recycling.

“The employer has refused to constructively discuss the issues or to take into consideration GMB member’s bonus pay, or their finishing time agreement and GMB’s increasing health and safety concerns.”