Kirklees bin workers union vote in favour of strike action

    Bin workers in Kirklees have voted to go on strike after six were suspended.

    Some of the suspensions were imposed on workers for allegedly drinking alcohol while on duty, with the suspensions prompting the Unison workers union to hold a ballot for industrial action.

    94% of union members voted in favour of the strikes, which will affect the Huddersfield and Dewsbury area, although aren’t expected to take place until next year.

    Upon learning of the union’s plans, Kirklees Council said it had not been formally told of the ballot and described the union's action as "disappointing".

    Speaking on the latest ballot, Unision revealed there was a voter turnout of 89%, with Unison's Kirklees branch secretary, Paul Holmes saying: "Members just want to come to work and do their jobs."

    However, the council made "no apology for taking robust action" over health and safety issues and said five cases had come following reports by members of the public.

    More from Local and National News

    Listener Club

    Get more with the Listener Club!

    • The Golden Era The Golden Era

      The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm

    • Remix Saturdays Remix Saturdays

      Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm

    • Legal Show Legal Show

      Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.

    • Bhangra Nights Bhangra Nights

      Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm