Over 130 workers at Doncaster waste transfer station set to walk out on strike

More than 130 workers at a Doncaster waste transfer station are set to go out on a one-day strike in a row over pay and conditions.
Workers represented by Unite the Unionat the Doncaster waste transfer station in Sandal Stones Road,Kirk Sandall are set to walk out on Monday, December 12.Workers represented by Unite the Unionat the Doncaster waste transfer station in Sandal Stones Road,Kirk Sandall are set to walk out on Monday, December 12.
Workers represented by Unite the Unionat the Doncaster waste transfer station in Sandal Stones Road,Kirk Sandall are set to walk out on Monday, December 12.

Workers represented by Unite the Union at the Doncaster waste transfer station in Sandal Stones Road, Kirk Sandall plan to walk out on Monday, December 12.

The union says staff are striking over the company's ‘draconian’ management style and a ‘derisory’ pay offer which it estimates will leave workers 30 pence an hour worse off in real terms.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The one-day stoppage by the workers, who are employed by SITA UK Limited which trades as SUEZ, follows a 98 per cent vote in favour of strike action on a turnout of 94 per cent.

A spokesman for SUEZ said: “We are naturally very disappointed that Unite members have voted not to accept the generous offer that was put to them and we are considering our response to this.

"Similarly, we also intend to respond fully and robustly to each of the additional unfounded allegations Unite makes.”

Unite regional officer Shane Sweeting said of the strike: “We had hoped that we could have avoided a strike and the inevitable disruption it will bring through recent talks at the conciliation service Acas.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Sadly management was not willing listen and instead seem hell bent on continuing with its bullying ‘draconian’ management style and denying people taking time off to go on holiday with their family.

“To add insult to injury bosses have sought to further frustrate workers with a pay offer which will result in some of our members losing 30 pence an hour in real terms because of cuts to their terms and conditions.

“The bullying mentality of management cannot be allowed to fester. We urge the company to get around the negotiating table to meaningfully negotiate a solution which meets our members’ concerns and restores dignity and respect to the workplace.”

The site is run by SUEZ on behalf of Doncaster Council.

Assistant Director of Environment, Gill Gillies, said: “Doncaster Council will work closely with Suez’s management to minimise disruption to residents.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We know that waste and recycling is a key service for local people and it is vital that residents are assured that we are working together to address the situation.”

The waste transfer station opened in 2014, despite over 1,000 complaints from residents.

It aims to cut the amount of household rubbish sent to landfill.

Waste is stored there before being transported to a treatment facility at Manvers.

Around 185,000 tonnes of waste are believed to be stored at the site each year.

A daily convoy of over 200 wagons call at the station when it is running at full capacity.