GMB warns of an indefinite South Tyneside bin strikes following workforce suspensions

The GMB union has warned residents in South Tyneside that an indefinite bin strike could be on the way after it claims that the Council has suspended “10% of the workforce” in its Waste Department.

The industrial dispute has been ongoing since September 2023 following claims of “bullying and a toxic work culture”.

An independent report into claims was carried out - with South Tyneside Council confirming in March that the investigation found “no evidence of bullying or harassment”.

Future industrial action was suspended at the start of May, however, the GMB has stated that since the last round of strike action, the GMB Union workplace representative has been suspended - along with other active union members.

Read more: ‘Unacceptable’ - Jarrow MP slams South Tyneside Council and hints at further bin strikes

The GMB has confirmed that starting today (Wednesday, June 5), it will be balloting its members in South Tyneside Council’s Waste Department over continuous industrial action relating to “trade union discrimination”.

The ballot is due to close on June 14, with the union warning of strike action during the general election campaign period.

Mark Wilson, the GMB regional organiser, has slammed South Tyneside Council for what he feels is a “blatant case of trade union victimisation”.

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He commented: “Refuse workers in South Tyneside are at the end of their tether. This situation should have been sorted nine months ago.

“We are in this situation because council management thought suspending workers was a better idea than listening to their concerns.

“A blatant case of trade union victimisation.

“Any future disruption is entirely their doing. And is within their power to stop.” The Shields Gazette has contacted South Tyneside Council for a comment.

Read more: ‘There is no bullying’ - South Tyneside bin strike insider hits out at the GMB union

South Tyneside Council has dismissed the GMB’s claims of “trade union discrimination” relating to the suspended GMB Union workplace representative.

The local authority has stated that the worker was suspended for matters relating to health and safety concerns.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Council said: “The claims made by GMB have already been refuted strongly by the council almost three weeks ago.

“Whilst it is correct that a GMB workplace representative has been suspended, pending a HR investigation, this is with regards to serious health and safety concerns.

“This is completely unconnected in any way with union duties or activities as the GMB suggest. The GMB’s understanding and portrayal of the position is both inaccurate and misleading.

“The assertion that any decision to suspend is somehow related to trade union activities is entirely false.

“The Council must maintain confidentiality for those individuals and ensure the integrity of the Council HR processes and procedures, which are designed to protect the employment rights of the workforce and as such we will not be commenting further on the details of the suspension or HR investigations.

“It is inappropriate for the GMB to ask the workforce to make decisions on such matters without being afforded an accurate understanding of the issue. Especially given the significant and continued disruption this could cause to essential services for the residents of South Tyneside.

“The Council has not ignored the workforce as the GMB suggest, far from it, we have undergone a period of intense engagement over the last 9 months which has been well documented and can be viewed in full on the Council’s website.

“The Council has been working closely with the workforce to deliver the detailed Action Plan agreed with Trade Unions and in line with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was approved and signed by both the Council and GMB.

“The Council is still committed to these and to implementing a range of improvements in response to feedback from the crews to better support them in their roles.

“Indeed, the Council has raised concerns with the GMB about the degree to which they have informed, encouraged, and facilitated the workforce to comply with the MOU, including for example their contribution to working groups, which has thus far not been adhered to.

“We want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to resolve issues, to get back to providing a vital service for our residents, and we look to GMB and the workforce to do the same.

“South Tyneside Council is calling on the GMB to withdraw the ballot immediately because it is at odds with the factual position.

“It is unjust, inaccurate and entirely misleading and further strike action would be inexcusable.”