GMB Union convenor Chris Mitchell branded the scene “an absolute disgrace” as he shared a video of conditions within a back court.
Chris Mitchell, GMB convenor(Image: GMB Glasgow Branch 40/Facebook)
Bin men in Glasgow are are facing rats and working in “deplorable and disgusting” conditions every day, according to a union boss.
GMB Union convenor Chris Mitchell branded the scene “an absolute disgrace” as he shared a video of conditions within a back court.
Mr Mitchell raised concerns around workers labouring in “disease-ridden” environments and encountering vermin as he shared an example of what refuse workers encounter daily in the city.
As reported by Glasgow Live, the video shows rubbish strewn across the back court, with bags split open and waste “congealed” on the ground.
In the video, Mr Mitchell says: “I’m just highlighting that the conditions that cleansing workers face in the 21st century in Scotland are an absolute disgrace; and for the money they get, this is absolutely deplorable and disgusting.”
Gesturing to waste in the back court, Mr Mitchell said: “That’s congealed waste. These are the kind of underfoot conditions that we are facing.
“There are rat holes, vermin everywhere, this is disease ridden. For the money that they get, it’s an absolute disgrace.”
He added: “How would you like to come to work every day and face these conditions. The harsh reality is that we find in Glasgow is that refuse collection is one of the hardest jobs that you will get in any industry right across Scotland, because it is vile and it’s stinking.
“I’m proud of our members, who are trying to clean up this city under a lot of pressure and a lack of staff.”
In a post to social media, the local GMB Glasgow branch said: “No workers should have to face conditions like this. The smell was horrendous; rats were having a party and a buffet.”
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A Glasgow City Council spokesman said staff in the city are paid at the upper end of pay rates for local authority refuse collectors in Scotland.
He added: “The mess that’s been highlighted is in a back court. A back court is private property.
“It’s the responsibility of the owners, residents and their factor to ensure their back court is maintained properly. That includes putting rubbish into the available bins.
“The video also shows around 15 general waste bins all with the lids down. This indicates these bins have been emptied recently.
“There is bin capacity available for residents to ensure the waste they have produced is properly contained within a bin. Residents, owners and the factor for this address are responsible for clearing up the mess on their property.
“Ensuring food waste is properly contained within a bin is the best way to deter vermin. Residents, owners and the factor for this address are also responsible for ensuring they have adequate bin capacity for the waste they produce. This includes replacing damaged bins.”