This comes weeks after I reported that the Council must get its act together due to an inability to secure qualified drivers*
I understand from GMB London, representing members employed by FCC Environment contracted to provide waste disposal services for the residents of Central Bedfordshire, that they are looking to go on strike due to deterioration of pay and conditions.
Since Central Bedfordshire Council awarded the £188 million waste services contract to FCC, previously provided by Biffa, residents have seen this service deteriorate, and as have the pay and terms and conditions for FCC employees working, as drivers, loaders and street cleaners within waste and recycling services.
Some of these workers will be residents of Central Bedfordshire and I am deeply concerned that we have awarded a contract that has yet to yield any benefits to our council tax-payers. And as I understand from speaking to GMB, workers are leaving in droves due to pay and health and safety not meeting standards. If the company does not start having urgent talks with the union this would only lead to strikes, meaning there will be NO services running.
I have now written to the Chief Executive urging him to speak to FCC, to ensure that we have a good service and good local jobs for our residents.
