‘Staggering’ abuse and culture of fear brings workers out at Sita
27 April 2011
Around 100 cleansing workers at the Sita base in Kirklees are
out on strike today (Wednesday) over alleged bullying and
intimidation by management of such an extent that even the police
have had to become involved. The workers operate the waste
tips which were outsourced out to Sita by the council.
The 24-hour strike, which began at midnight, is the first of three
days of walkouts as exasperated workers seek to force senior
managers at the company to get to grips with the culture of fear at
its Kirklees operation.
According to the workers’ union, Unite, problems began three years
ago when poor handling of personnel cases at the site indicated
that proper procedures were being bypassed with the union being
advised that its attempts represent members would be disregarded
without any consideration. A catalogue of similar HR abuses,
including accusations of theft by a worker, the use of CCTV to
harass workers, the production of allegedly falsified documentation
to build cases against workers and the threat of sacking unless a
grievance by a worker was withdrawn followed.
The workforce eventually balloted for action after one colleague
had been locked into an office by his manager and had to call the
police to ask to be released. One manager has also made clear to
other colleagues that one of his aims was to break the union at
Kirklees.
Regional officer Bev Clarkson explained further: “Quite clearly,
management at Sita cannot manage. It is simply staggering that in
this day and age one manager thought it acceptable to lock a
colleague into an office in order to resolve an HR matter or that
it is acceptable to falsify evidence against workers. The
commonplace use of foul language when addressing workers degrades
management, the workers and the company. These are people’s
livelihoods we’re talking about – and incompetent, devious
management is putting these at risk.
“Trust and faith in the Kirllees management have collapsed
altogether. Workers have been forced into strike action just to be
listened to. Workers who have never taken a day’s sick leave
in their life and would rather be fully fit doing their jobs are
now going absent with work-related stress. One colleague,
accused of theft by management forced into disciplinary to clear
his name, which he did, was still given a final written
warning. Understandably, he then resigned. Another
colleague was harassed to the extent that he had a breakdown and
ended up in hospital. CCTV cameras are pointed at workers’
cars all day in the hope that management may find something to
attack them with. The list goes on and on.
“Sita management has to understand that it cannot treat its
employees like this. It is inhumane and unproductive.”
Unite is calling for Sita to take immediate and forceful action
to halt the abuses, improve management practice at the site and
restore the workers’ trust in the company.
The strike today is the first of three days of action with two
further days set for Wednesday, 4 May and Monday 9 May.
The picket lines are at Emerald Street, Huddersfield; Mab Lane,
Birstall; Weaving Lane, Thornhill; Bentley Road, Meltham; Bromely
Farm, Upper Cumberworth; Vine Street, Huddersfield, all in
Kirklees.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Bev Clarkson on 07736
479 813
