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Bin men start work to rule over plans to slash wages

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Published Date: 27 June 2009
By CHRIS MARSHALL
RUBBISH collections in the Capital have been thrown into chaos after bin men began working to rule over plans to cut their pay.
The council said bin collections would be delayed and told homeowners to leave their waste out if it is not collected normally.

The action is in response to pay proposals that have been the subject of negotiations with unions.

Andrea McHugh, the council's head of environment said: "We would like to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption to our customers. Every effort is being made to ensure that all refuse still awaiting collection is picked up as soon as possible."

Thousands of council staff will have their wages slashed as part of proposals to scrap bonuses.

Bin men are among those who could see their pay packets hit under plans to change the current system, in which wages are supplemented with payments for attendance and productivity.

It is understood the move could see refuse collectors on a wage of around £230 a week lose around half of the £120 they receive in bonuses – around £3,000 a year.

One bin man who contacted the Evening News said his wage would be slashed from £242 to £170 a week. He said staff had begun a work to rule which would see the Royal Mile "piled high" with uncollected rubbish.

The proposed cuts are among a series of modernisation measures which are currently being considered by the council, and are part of a move to simplify pay arrangements for public sector workers across the country.

Among the measures are a review of "single status" arrangements relating to the disparity in pay between men and woman.

Many female council workers do not receive bonuses and scrapping the payments for their male counterparts is seen as a way of making the system fairer.

The council has proposed the introduction of 12 broad pay grades, which it said would lead to around 20 per cent of staff having reduced pay after three years.

The council said around 80 per cent of its staff would not lose out, with around a fifth of those gaining from the proposals.

Stephen MacGregor, convener with the Unite union for the city council, said: "The council want to slash certain workers' wages from £18,000 to £12,000, in effect nearly halving their wage. Their version of equality is to bring men down to the level of women who have historically been discriminated against by the council."

John Stevenson, Unison branch president at the council, said letters will be sent to workers on 6 July.

A council spokeswoman said: "Modernising our pay and conditions of employment will help to make sure that pay for our employees is fair in comparison to their colleagues."

Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 27 June 2009 10:29 AM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Office and workplace
 
1

grantcat,

Old Town 27/06/2009 10:43:38
The whole point of the Equal Pay Act introduced in 1970 and then amended in 1984 was to pay women equal wages to men not to pay men equal wages to women. So all years of under paying women has meant that that wage has been seen as a fair wage so the workers that tend to be male workers can accept that fair wage too! It is a brutal interpretation of the Equal Pay Act - perhaps though if unequal wages were outlawed years ago and women were supported in equal pay claims we minght not be here today. However bringing down the bin workers wages is not addressing the problem at all!! I don't think they will be the only workers taking action!!
2

Council Insider,

Away For The Weekend 27/06/2009 11:45:45
Bunch of left wing moaners. Sack the lot of them and get the Poles in to do it.
3

Alice in Embraland,

27/06/2009 12:00:33
"The council want to slash certain workers' wages from £18,000 to £12,000, in effect nearly halving their wage."

His arithmetic is nearly as bad as mine. A career in banking beckons for both of us.
4

alfonsa pedrosa,

embra 27/06/2009 12:03:14
Just let them go on strike,and we will pile our rubbish up in the streets,this is what they have to come back to.
5

Chirpy Council Worker,

Nearby 27/06/2009 12:14:33
No surprise that the first ones to start action are the bin men.

They have had it too good for too long. They normally finish their work with around 3 hours still to go on their shift, but they are allowed to go home. Thats a lot of work they are getting paid for actually sitting at home on their bums.

Single status is being implimented accross scotland. Lots of staff groups are going to be worse off. It wont just be the bin men that suffer. I too recieve a bonus, this will be lost BUT its protected for three years!

Im all for having a public debate on the matter providing both sides stick to facts, with full disclosure.

But lets stop the scaremongering!
6

Jam Tarts 1874,

On the Rebound 27/06/2009 12:28:31
SNP = Tartan Tories = cuts, cuts, cuts.
7

paul the binman,

27/06/2009 12:32:52
Can I point out this cut in earnings is on top of the expected pay freeze.The argument over single status is a red herring,women in the same job as me get the same wage,as do women in street cleansing,and women trades workers.This has been an exercise in saving money.
Does this sit well with the fact the council intend to take out loans to the cost of 70 million to bail ot a private building project.
Yes we get away early,but its because we start earlier and also forgo any breaks,and as you will see,the men and women tend to work very fast.We also work right through in all weather as opposed to stopping as is our rights.Dont let the council fool you with their arguments about us getting away early.It means less wear and tear on vehicles and also less diesal being used.It also means less congestion on the roads in the afternoon.
The routes were also set up by managment with the councillors over seeing the project,still,its easier to blame the man on the ground huh...
8

paul the binman,

27/06/2009 12:36:12
On another note,I think you will find the first action was taken by some of street cleansing who started an overtime ban when the had their "special" overtime stopped.
9

Chirpy Council Worker,

Nearby 27/06/2009 12:37:05
#7.

My heart bleeds, bin are not part of the flexi time scheme, you can start running your own private scheme. All council employees need to be equal so you can start bleeding your heart out that these unofficial perks are being brought to a stop.
10

Chirpy Council Worker,

Nearby 27/06/2009 12:37:51
#9, sorry a mistake on my part, I meant to state environmental staff rather than specifically bin men.
11

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 12:38:16
#9 should be directed to #8, sorry!
12

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 12:39:12
Sh*t, this is getting confusing now.

#10 should be directed to #8.

God, its a good job I dont run the council!
13

Mounty,

Porty :) 27/06/2009 12:49:45
Tell you what, get in some agency staff to cover the days the bin men arent out working & emptying the bins.

You may find that they are more efficient then the bin men who have been with the council for years. If the agency staff ARE more efficient put pressure on the workers to improve 'efficiency', if they dont, give them the boot and get the agency guys in full time.

The bin men have a bad name amongst other council staff as being unflexible, militant & obstructive. What other Council staff are joining in with them? None so far it would seem!
14

paul the binman,

27/06/2009 12:54:56
That will be the same council staff who come to us when ever their union is out then,lets face it millitant social workers and office staff are the same ones that voted for the last pay rise then took the umbridge at job cuts and asked us to back their action.
15

paul the binman,

27/06/2009 12:56:44
and on the point of agency staff,street cleansing are employing them at a higher rate of pay and also paying the company that employ them,still why let the truth get in the way....
16

paul the binman,

27/06/2009 13:00:07
#9,dont you understand flexi time then,we are all meant to be on the same contract with the same hours and rights,mmmmmmm staff canteen and fitness center and chill out zone and roof garden and staff parking and smoke breaks whoohoo........
17

,

27/06/2009 14:04:50
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
18

gordon aka smoker and proud,

27/06/2009 14:06:34
should say amenity
before fooo the wonderous comes on
19

bluehead,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 14:24:32
three cheers for the binmen ,edinburgh is in a terrible mess the way the city is being run .
the maniacal tram business is a fine example of how to throw millions of pounds down the drain
the very idea of taking money from the workers wages when the cost of everyday things gets more and more expensive is madness
who ever does this should be made to show that the same principle is applied to them to see that their wages are cut too
edinburgh is turning into a huge lunatic asylum where even the hard working binmen can't get peace from the loonies!!!
20

Extra Strong Mince,

27/06/2009 14:59:04
If anyone should be facing a pay cut, it is the imbecile politicians and top civil servants who have turned this city from a world class tourist destination into a grade one listed laughing stock with their ever changing traffic schemes, corrupt planning deals and self indulgent vanity projects.

They should be made to collect bins while the real binmen enjoy a break funded by the political parasites' salaries.
21

Dragonlord,

27/06/2009 15:03:19
Ok I can see bonus payments for attendance but no way can they claim bonuses for productivity. However before cutting the wages of those who do the work, how about councillors taking a cut, and stopping their expences claims? The council is over staffed and managers sit in offices doing nothing but push paper. Perhaps if they were out on the road, checking up on what is going on,then perhaps some of the litter would actually get picked up.
If they go ahead with privatisation then fine, let us pay the companies directly. They should then CUT the council tax by an equal amount.
Fat cat councillors are making the council top heavy ,and it's time for a change in the system.
22

huggs,

27/06/2009 15:22:54
Not surprised they finish early they leave half the stuff behind any excuse to leave a bin and they will.
Even when they do empty one its left right in the middle of the pavement anyway this must also save the council in shoe leather.
Work to rule they have been doing that for years anyway and if they are refusing to pick up legitimate collections disciplinary action must be taken.
23

Chirpy Council Worker,

here 27/06/2009 15:23:54
#24, If privitisation takes place, resulting in the cost to the Council being cut, wouldnt it make more sense to distribute the money saved to other areas of the council like, to the schools repairs budget, housing stock improvements etc rather than cutting council tax.

I reakon the present trend of not increasing council tax is to be welcomed. Im against a rise, but equally see no sense in a cut.
24

Tynieweeguy,

27/06/2009 15:23:59
#23 Well said!
Half the people on here moaning about the binmen wouldn't be fit enough to do the job even if they were to lower themselves to consider it in the first place. How many of them have jobs which pay £18000 a year for working in all weathers clearing up other folks rubbish. Give them a rise is what I say and no I'm not a binman and don't work in local government.
25

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 15:25:10
#25 Talking about leaving wheelie bins all over the place, they never seem to leave mines outside my garden when they emepty it, for some reason its normally left on the pavement at the other side of the road from me.
26

Tynieweeguy,

27/06/2009 15:26:58
#26 Privatise at your peril, we have seen how that has worked wonders for cleaning our hospitals haven't we?
27

The Sheriff,

27/06/2009 15:28:00
I seem to be missing a trick.....binmen want to take action over losing productivity and attendance allowances?

Here is an idea....pay the binmen a decent wage and if they are always sick or fail to be "productive" which one can assume being able and competent to do exactly what they are paid to do then sack them and employ people able to be "productive"
28

The Sheriff,

27/06/2009 15:29:58
27....I think you will find there are plenty of people who earn less than 18k a year,I for one and I would be delighted to take up any vacant position to empty bins.
29

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 15:35:22
#27, I earn less than £18k a year working for the council and face far more testing challanges than the weather!

I have to deal with violent customers of the council, facing verbal abuse, threats of physical violence, I have to identify dead bodies, clean up sick, urine, blood, vomit and faeces. I am responsible for the health & safety of large buildings with occpants on a massive scale.

The bin men arnt the only council workers who have a tough job!
30

Tynieweeguy,

27/06/2009 15:35:57
#31 There are plenty but they're probably not on hear bleeting but out doing some graft. Have you ever applied for a vacancy on the bins when they have arisen?
How can people on here say they are lazy when atleast they are getting up in the mornings to go to work unlike a huge number in this city who just can't be bothered to do that and just expect handouts, they'se the lazy ones.
31

Tynieweeguy,

27/06/2009 15:40:00
#32 Never said they were ard neither did I say you were worth any less than they are, we should be giving all workers a fair wage for their graft, not dragging everyone down top the lowest wev can get away with. The management must be laughing at the way they can get their workforce to fight it out amounst themselves.
32

gordon aka smoker and proud,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 15:43:02
#31
ok, heres a wee challenge for you!
yes there are vacancies from time to time advertised, plz plz plz apply, you will find that you have absolutely no chance whatsoever, why? because the vacancies are well filled through word of mouth by binmen or council employees, the council by law have to advertise the vacancies even though they are already filled, and thats not my opinion, thats is a true fact, i know that through people employed in the council. not 1 or 2 or 3 but many!
33

gordon aka smoker and proud,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 15:44:08
ooops sorry meant #33
34

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 15:45:27
#34. dunno about CEC managment laughing but they will be rubbing their hands together if there are a couple of strike days as a result of the modernising pay programme.

Think how much CEC saves in pay when there is a strike day as only minimal staff work, such as those exempt from it, staff not in unions and ofcourse the scabs.
35

Tynieweeguy,

27/06/2009 15:49:56
#38 I don't need to, I already have a job thanks it pays more than the binmen and I don't have to work as hard (physically).
If you know this for fact then do something about it, it's corrupt and illegal.
36

Extra Strong Mince,

27/06/2009 15:51:08
37
No, it just seems that way sometimes. But is it not interesting to see that the shrillest complainers are usually the most authoritarian?
37

Sing when you're winning!,

27/06/2009 16:04:18
Any excuse to get out of a days work in my opinion! What's the difference from someone sweeping the streets or using mechanical tools to empty a bin compared to cleaners in buildings using hard graft to make floors shiny!
About £7k a year! Binmen have been having it cushy for years, welcome to the real world!
38

philip barrs is a bandit,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 16:29:27
Well done the binmen, you've got my backing as for the numpties above the next time your bins are emptied tell your binmen what you think . I can guarantee a certain individual wouldn't be so chirpy and the other wee fascist would stop smoking for good. GET A LIFE YOU SAD PATHTIC LOSERS! And i also dont work for the council.
39

gordon aka smoker and proud,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 16:34:35
hehehehehehehehehehehehe #44
aye rite, you dont work fir the cooncil? ma (bit behind the lower half of my back!) lol
40

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 16:38:55
#44, what do you mean by that? I happy to listen to the opinions of anyone. Why wouldnt I be so chirot if I told the bin men my thoughts?
41

philip barrs is a bandit,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 16:51:24
Bring on the festival keep it up boys and girls .The juggernaut has just started.
42

philip barrs is a bandit,

edinburgh 27/06/2009 16:58:03
Because your a little key board hard man, never judge a man unless you've walk a mile in his shoes!And as for you beef smoker i don't any way must say bye bye because unlike most off the pond life on this forum Ive got a life ch-eerie!
43

The new waspy,

27/06/2009 17:58:44
Refuse collectors (or bin men which is a bit of an insult) do a good service for not too much money.
Scrolling through the posts
2,5,9,10,11,14,17,20,28,32,43,46 are either plain ignorant or windup merchants who dont realise what the job entails.
Wish the "Binmen" had all their addresses and left the rubbish for a couple of days.
sad lot really nothing to do but moan all day with nothing really worthwhile to say
44

keit011,

27/06/2009 18:05:32
these bin men are on there feet all day and handling all sorts of rubbish ie dirty nappies and dog mess and dodging loonies on the school run give them a break .
45

Mounty,

Porty 27/06/2009 18:16:07
#49, my rubbish has alrady been left for a couple of days, mines is only collected weekly so it can be a few days before collections.

#50, I dont think the bin men actually handle dirty nappies and dogs mess. Arnt the dirty nappies in the wheelie bins etc;? and I dont think they deal with dogs mess unless its been put in a wheelie bin.
46

Doctor who?,

Edinburgh 27/06/2009 18:22:28
I think most of you are losing the point here because of your low opininion of public employees and in particular bin men.

These people are having their wages cut regardless of the fact they have had these terms and conditions since signing the contract of employment.

What has happened is that the council has decided to cut 20% of it's workforces wages by varying degrees.

It does not matter if they are bin men or office workers.

It does not matter if it is by £1 or £1,000.

It does not matter if the money was an attendance or productivity bonus.

What matters is the fact that an employer can go back on the terms and conditions of employment if it chooses.

There is no legislation in place apart from minimum wage that can stop any employer doing it.

So please do not think that this is something that is long overdue for a militant minority of a workforce.

This is something that can and will impact on every person who works in Britain. It is public employees now but it will be us tomorrow.

What our "millitant" forefathers fought to get us since world war 2 and before has been eroded by thatcherism and tony blair's labourites.

I can only hope that the 80% of Edinburgh council workers that are not losing money support the ones that are.

47

The new waspy,

27/06/2009 18:40:44
#52
Well said!
48

tomias,

Edinburgh 27/06/2009 19:02:00
Tip your bin into the gutter
49

the Genuine Mario Antoinette,

27/06/2009 19:15:50
This is a rubbish story.
50

fat lord prodder,

somewhere in alba 27/06/2009 19:27:54
now lets see,this is 2009,and bin men are going to work to rule
1979 bin men were on strike
2009 labour gov makes a total midden of the country
1979 laqbour gov had made a midden of the country
seems like history repeating it self
good god not another tory gov in waiting like 79
im not a bin man but i can imagine some bins they empty will be reeking,i remember the PO at davidson mains,next door is a chinese takeaway,in summer the takeaway bins are absolutely rancid
51

fat lord prodder,

somewhere in alba 27/06/2009 19:34:46
#52 yes agreee,lets see the councilors take a cut,get themselves a bus pass,that will save council fuel bills,and taxi bills
if they can throw millions at public transport,it would make sense to start paying into it,ie buses
lord provost on civic duties in the city,a taxi would be good enough to get there,after all its the provost whos attending not his limo
cut traffic wardens by 20%,save a bit ,put out lights in offices not being used,set heaters in council offices 2 degtrees lower thus making savings,its all too easy to cut bin mans wages,why not those on huge salary and those councilors paid salaries of £40,000 for being youth develop officer,and get a councilors salary as well
youth job should go to member of public,not some labourite blue eyed boy
52

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 19:43:38
#57, actually Councillors already recieve a ridacard each year!
53

fat lord prodder,

somewhere in alba 27/06/2009 20:28:38
#59 unions dont make me laugh,bankrollers for labour more like
how come unison in 1998 told labour that pfi was a con and yet labour went ahead,who got the readies?
unions = self preservation society,their officials are on good salaries,and get cushy jobs,its the workers who get shafted every time
54

fat lord prodder,

somewhere in alba 27/06/2009 20:30:13
#58 if thats the case ,they can pay for taxis themselves,they have a free bus pass,which they took away from some in society,yet they have one ,but would rather claim taxi fares to line pockets
55

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 20:39:43
#61, who did the Councillors stop from getting free bus passes?
56

is it me?,

Edinburgh 27/06/2009 21:01:21
I've heard that most binmen are secret non tax-paying millionaires through selling peoples' junk on ebay.

People are queuing up for jobs. But you have to know somebody.
57

is it me?,

Edinburgh 27/06/2009 21:22:29
...they are also mostly in a state of permanent euphoria from inhaling fermenting fumes !

A state which most of us have to spend money on strong drink for !
58

fat lord prodder,

somewhere in alba 27/06/2009 21:54:39
#62
they cut those on lowest rate DLA from getting the free pass,only middle rate,and higher rate mobility
59

fat lord prodder,

somewhere in alba 27/06/2009 21:57:55
#63 you mean that old saying that was applied to some great factories to work in "Dead mans Shoes",generaly it was a relative,ie son, grandson,that got any jobs going,never saw them advertised in job centre
whisky bonds are another example,its not what you know but WHO!
60

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 22:09:39
#65, I think that would have been the government stoppig that not CEC Councillors as implied in your postings!
61

is it me?,

Edinburgh 27/06/2009 22:31:50
#66
Exactly. My granddad applied for a job down the mines in Fife as a Support Technician, and finished up with a huge cauliflower ear caused by the pit boss hammering him into place as a dispensible pit prop.

These are evil people, and no mistake.
62

LibbyHibby,

27/06/2009 23:07:04
I'm firmly behind the cleansing department on this. How any employer feels they can chop a third of anyone's salary is beyond belief and to do so at the bottom end of the wage scale is quite simply scandalous.

Chirpy Council Worker you are appearing to be a complete @rse and wonder if you'd be taking such a stance if it were your income being cut.

Those in charge are ruining a once great city and for one I would have hoped all council employees can see the wider ramifications of salary and bonus cuts and united in several days of strike action in protest.

However if CCW is an atypical council worker it's unlikely to happen and shows exactly why they can't tell their @rse from elbow and why our local authority is so badly run.

Hopefully the general public will support the binmen in whatever action they may take.

The council can shove their council tax for this year as well.
63

Chirpy Council Worker,

27/06/2009 23:14:06
#69, it is an almost certainty that workers who do the same job as me will also be worse off as a result of the modernings pay programme.

However, at present most things are just rumours, staff have been having group briefings about modernising pay. But, will not be advised of what the figures etc will be for another week yet. The bin mens actions is actually a bit premature.

You may find that numerous sections of the Council start to take industrial action.

People who find that their new pay grade is lower than at present will have their income protected for three years so wont take an actual pay cut.
64

paul the binman,

28/06/2009 13:01:30
Rumours no more,£70 a week taken from binmen and binwomen,£65 a week from street cleansing,both male and female,how is this single status,oopps,that is single status,good old council,still,its not about saving money huh,wonder the extra money is coming from to pay the home helps,mind you the male home helps and carers are not included because,they are male........
65

Chirpy Council Worker,

28/06/2009 14:39:04
#71, I currently get a bonus of £73 per week. Under modernising pay that will be lost. But it will be part of my protected earnings so will still get it as part of my basic pay for the three years after implimentation.

But,

My staff group may go up in the spinal column so may actually end up with more money. We wont know that until 6th July when staff start to get personal letters relating specifically to them.

What gets my goat more is the fact that some public holidays will be done away with, with an increase in holiday allocation to make up for it. That will mean I loose out on a lot of overtime. I work every holiday, including xmas, boxing day and the 1st & 2nd of Jan. I get time plus doubletime for working these days as I do for all public holidays. But if we are loosing some public holidays thats days missed getting overtime.

Also, reducing my working week from 37 basic hours to 26 will obviously result in a reduction of earnings three years from implimentation.

And dont get me started on the new proposed overtime rules. Its not just about robbing men to pay the woman, thats just scaremongering and militancy.

Lets have an open, informed debate with the truth, not rumours etc.
66

Hong Kong Fooey,

28/06/2009 15:14:56
This story is a load of rubbish and should be consigned to the bin,assuming someone will empty it. :O)
67

OLDUFFER1,

edinburgh 28/06/2009 16:56:57
What are these "rules" and why weren't they following them before? This always used to worry me in the bad old days of British Rail workers' "Work to Rules"!
68

Slick 21,

Edina 28/06/2009 18:41:01
#75.

Do you not realise that these people START early, have no breaks, and tip half of Edinburgh`s sh!t before you even wake up?

Put the Daily Mail down, just for a second, and ask yourself this:

Could I accept a 33% wage cut, and live within these means?

I doubt it.

And a "Work to rule" is simply that. Working to conract.
Strange how we nothng from people like you, when things are OK, but now?

Have a serious word with yourself. You know NOTHING about the sharp end.
69

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 18:55:25
5:00 a.m. suitable enough for you?

2 FULL hours before they are paid. Until 4.

They DO their hours, and complete ALL routes, before they can "Leave early".........

Think about it.
70

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 19:06:18
#77. They ARE aking their breaks, and finishing at designated time.

That is the "Rule"

Is it working for you?

Edinburgh City Centre is already a cowp, and that`s simply because they are doing it by the rules.

So, cheating the rules (both sides of streets, breaching H+S regulations etc.) to provide a better service is amazingly wrong now?

I can`t wait for this next answer.
71

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 19:11:59
#83.
Here`s some breaking news Einstein.

Binmen and Bin-ladies ALSO pay Council Tax.

Never thought about that, did you?
72

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 19:24:22
#86.

Not if they can`t afford it. It won`t matter. It will be subsidised by guess who?.............The Council, as they will be on a lower salary and qualify accordingly, for family credit too.

Where is the savings? Where is the "Best Value"?

Your pomposity astounds me, as does your lack of information.

Must do better, See me.
73

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 19:33:27
#86.

Word of advice.

Never argue about a subject you clearly know nothing about.
You will lose.

I, on the other hand, am in a situation that will shoot down every ill-informed remark that you choose to make.

Why? Because I know ALL of the facts.
74

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 19:44:26
Tony, may I call you that?

would you rather have an efficient system, or the massive mess that awaits?

The lowest of the low, actually OWN this city, and can decide (legally) if this year`s Festival is going to be a success, or a rat-infested mess.

Never underestimate.

The "Bin folk" actually complete what is required of them before anyone can "Skive off early"
You neglect to accept the 2 hours that they work BEFORE being paid,

12k for a family of 4, e.g. DOES qualify for family credit, and a reduction in council tax.

Best value indeed.

Your point caller?
75

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 19:48:39
Also add to this......the "Scaffies" are about to follow suit, within 2 days, and the Disposal entities are to follow.

Tip of a rather large ice-cube.

Athens of the north?

Methinks otherwise dear.

Hurry along now, your pipe`s gone out.
76

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 20:04:28
#93.

For the last time.......they finish early because they START early, and don`t take any breaks. Kapeesh?

On your second point, they can`t just go around the corner and start there. They are given routes, and follow the order as instructed. you may well be on route BACK to the depot.

3rd point. Correct! They have a contract, which was given to them by guess who?
They are working to it. No rules broken. Sorry.

You sir, have failed on many points.

18k to 12k overnight. Acceptable?

Council workers ALSO pay Council Tax. It`s not just you.

77

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 20:05:42
Edinburgh keeps getting bigger........the Cleansing force keeps getting smaller.

Who is at fault here?
78

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 20:07:15
Please answer #95 at least.
79

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 20:14:49
Incidentally, your reference to Council workers as "Parasites" and "Idiots" tells me all I need to know about you.

Perhaps you might retract these comments?

Or is your Ivory Tower too high for that?
80

Slick 21,

28/06/2009 20:25:14
See the last few above. I would use the word "Fool" but I won`t.

You are really not looking good here.

You are, in fact, looking exactly as you probably are.

Well done!

A man who preaches.........but hasn`t read the book is all that you are.

Shall I sew another button onto your cardigan?

After all....YOU are the only Council tax payer in the city.



81

Jayess,

Edinburgh 29/06/2009 01:32:41
I suspect that city 'Environmental Managers' cannot manage the quality of labour available for 'dirty work' these days, and it's out of control. Our council recognises this, and that the world financial situation is going to get worse before it gets better, and major inflation is ahead.

So the intention is to push the dispute to the point that the service will be have to be contracted out in the tax-payers' interest. There will be so many desperate for any work by then, that the present employees might be bidding to retain their jobs.
82

Mounty,

29/06/2009 06:58:12
comment #101, the council dont class bin men as being a dirty works job, the reason for this being that they dont really come into direct contact with the refuse as the vast majority of it is contained in bags & wheelie bins.

Dirty works jobs at the Council are ones like clearing refuse chutes, clean up squads, void teams who clean out void & abonded flats etc;
83

Speedy Gonzales,

Edinburgh 29/06/2009 10:38:07
Slick 21,
you say you have all the answers, well as Tony has pointed out, bins are meant to be presented kerbside for 0700hrs collection, what do you do for the first 2 hrs?
I know the council workers don't like it, I'm public sector myself, but when you are paid for by public taxes, then there is a level of accountability that has to be met. Refuse collection wouldn't be my first choice of job but it is a high profile one as EVERYBODY, regardless of status, requires it!
84

OLDUFFER1,

edinburgh 29/06/2009 10:40:12
Sorry- Am I living in a parallel universe? Looks like we've opened a "bin of worms" here! If previously, by starting early and not following the "rules", the operatives were able to finish early, surely if they do follow these rules they should be able to do the work in the normal time alloted. If this is not the case, then the management have completely mis-calculated the time and manpower needed. Isn't it more likely that they are operating a "go slow"? Are they working at all?
85

Binman101,

Edinburgh 29/06/2009 15:21:20
You are arguing about things you no nothing about. We start at 06.45 and finsh at 16.30 we work on a job and finsh system meaning if we finsh our routes earlie we can go home,we have to work without breaks and cross busy road with bins to get finshed. If we work to rule the way the job is ment to be done the routes can't be completed within our hours of work.
86

Chirpy Council Worker,

29/06/2009 17:31:40
103 - lots of peoplehave to cross busy roads when doing their jobs, why do you believe bin men should get special treatment for this?

I have to cross roads doing my job, the police, paramedics etc etc all have to cross roads!
87

mikethedon,

edinburgh 27/07/2009 15:59:51
anyone slagging of the bin men should be hanging their heads in shame,these guys do work that the biggest majority of you would never lower yourselves to do, its absolutely disgusting what edinburgh council are proposing ! i work in social care and face losing £2000 a year with the single status i work until 10pm and almost every weekend ,and can work 8 days in arow during a typical 7hour shift i can be expected to visit up to 15 clients providing,personal care,medication assistance,and food preparation and many other services.... lets ee any of the council elite perform any of these tasks i dont think so !!!

 

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