Families protest amid allegations of bullying

Families protest amid allegations of bullying

5 March 2014

WIVES and partners of Down Council cleansing staff took the unprecedented step of staging a protest outside the local authority’s headquarters on Monday night.

The protest was organised to highlight allegations of bullying and harassment by council management towards binmen and a warning has been issued that more protests could follow.

Binmen and other environmental services staff joined Monday night’s protest — which coincided with a meeting of Down Council’s Policy and Resources Committee — but did not speak to reporters for fear of being disciplined by council bosses.

It was left to their wives and partners and an official from the GMB trade union to articulate the men’s concerns which centre around ageism, bullying, harassment and alleged victimisation.

Hania Stevens and Anne Marie Smith said they were protesting “in support of their men” and called on Down Council to address the issues which have been raised so staff can get on with their jobs.

“The pressure the men are working under is impacting on their home life and things should not be like this, “ said Hania. “We have joined our men in this protest as we are as concerned as they are. What about equality for our men who are working under increasing pressure trying to get bin rounds completed in timescales which are virtually impossible to deliver?

“Our men work very hard, but they are being pushed to the limit. We all want a happy home and for our men to be allowed to get on with doing their job, free from bullying and harassment.”

Anne Marie said council officials have a “duty and an obligation” to deal with the issues which have been raised. She said officials need to listen to what the men are saying and do something about it.

“We are fighting for our husbands and partners and standing by them,” she declared. “We have been forced to come out to protest because our men are being harassed and humiliated and shown a lack of respect,” she claimed.

A statement issued by the wives and partners on Monday night accused council managers of a “lack of interest” in addressing the concerns which have been raised.

“Councillors and the clerk of the council are fully aware of these matters but are refusing to resolve them. As a group of people we have decided to take part in more protests until these issues are addressed and our husbands and partners can go to their work without being threatened or fearing for their jobs,” the statement continues.

It adds: “Ultimately, their health and now our health, due to the stress of having to cope with all this, is being affected. Does Down Council not have a duty of care to its staff?”

A Down Council spokeswoman said while the organisation does not comment on staffing matters, it should be noted that it has a zero tolerance position towards bullying and harassment in the work place.

“The Council also has union agreed policies and procedures in place to deal with instances of bullying and harassment,” she added.