Strike action by Unite members working within Cardiff council’s refuse and recycling department is being extended by a further four weeks.
The current strike action which started on 28 December, was due to end on Thursday 25 January will now continue until Thursday 22 February.
The fresh strike dates are in response to Cardiff Council’s failure to make any progress in relation to Unite’s concerns on a number of local issues. The most prominent of these being the widespread bullying culture within the refuse and recycling department alongside the ingrained use of agency labour.
Unite is concerned that Cardiff council are showing no desire to resolve the dispute, indeed the council leadership have disgracefully announced they intend to attack the annual leave accrual of striking workers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Rather than seeking to resolve this strike, Cardiff council seem intent on worsening industrial relations.
The council’s priority should be dealing with the bullying culture within the refuse and recycling department and ending the practice of workers waiting four years for a permanent employment contract.”
The news of additional strike dates come as Unite members enter their fourteenth week of industrial action since September 2023.
Unite Wales regional secretary Peter Hughes said: “Cardiff residents are facing rising council tax bills and reductions in their services whilst the council leadership seem intent on doing nothing to resolve this strike. Huw Thomas’ inaction means the council is paying out a fortune in overtime pay whilst residents streets pile up with rubbish.
“The council’s behaviour only strengthens our argument that there is a bullying culture embedded in Cardiff council. Unite will continue to support its members 100 per cent during their strike action.”
