Siptu the union is calling on the government to establish a task force to review employment conditions and other issues in the waste disposal industry.

The call follows a dispute at Greyhound Household Ltd were over 70 union members refused draconian pay cut of around 35% and changes to their employment terms.

Siptu President Jack O'Connor has issued a letter to the Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, to address the "overall situation in the waste management and domestic refuse collection and processing sector".

-- Advertisement --

Mr O'Connor said: "In the absence of regulation, a full-scale 'race to the bottom' has been underway for some time. This has resulted in the development of a highly unstable situation, with considerable restructuring and implications for sustainability. In general, terms and conditions of employment are abysmal and in some instances it is questionable as to whether even the national minimum wage is being adhered to at all. If the confidential enquiries we are receiving are in any way accurate, the treatment of workers in this sector is appalling to a degree that should not be tolerated in any developed economy or society."

(CD/MH)