Bin workers unions say giant vermin are making it impossible for refuse and cleansing staff to do their jobs. Union members say they have been receiving emergency treatment after bites and scratches
The bin workers’ union wants authorities to declare a ‘rat emergency’ – amid sightings of “rodents the size of cats”.
The GMB Union say giant vermin are making it impossible for refuse and cleansing staff in Glasgow to do their jobs. Union members say they have been receiving emergency treatment after bites and scratches. Recent reports say rats are being seen there the size of cats – or small dogs.
The GMB Union now wants Glasgow City Council to declare a “vermin emergency”, STV News reports. One worker told STV they have been instructed to “kick bins” before opening them – to check for rats. He said: “It just keeps getting worse, and now you’re seeing rats the size of cats because there’s plenty of food for them to eat. It’s unacceptable.”
Chris Mitchell from GMB Union said there is a “rat pandemic”. He told STV: “It’s just getting worse and worse. It’s cuts in pest control, cuts in statuary services.” They are also calling on First Minister Humza Yousaf to join them at work to see the rats for himself. A spokesman for the council said: “Our refuse collection team is working with the full establishment of staff, although absence continues to be an issue that requires to be managed.
“The current on-street bin hub project also allows us to collect refuse more efficiently and this will allow staff to work on other necessary environmental tasks. Staff health and safety is an absolute priority and we have robust procedures to protect staff well-being.
“If staff encounter an infestation in the course of their duties it should be reported immediately and appropriate action will be taken by our environmental health team. The trade unions are directly involved in developing health and safety procedures and also which PPE is worn by staff.
“Rats are always in search of food and somewhere to nest. It is crucial that householders and property managers ensure food waste is properly contained and bin courts are kept in good order to deter rats. In a city of over 300,000 homes, thankfully only a very small percentage of properties are affected by rats at any one time.”