Aberdeen refuse workers have warned they could resort to strikes if controversial new shift patterns which could see them collecting bins at nearly 10pm are implemented.
A consultation has begun with options for future working arrangements for the staff.
The most controversial of those options would see employees work either a morning shift starting at 6am or a late shift finishing at 9.48pm.
Another unpopular option outlined to staff was a plan to work five weekends in a row.
Unions have slammed the move and said they are prepared to follow the lead of workers in Angus, who took strike action over a move to introduce a near-identical shift pattern last month.
A three-month consultation is now under way into the five different options – including one to introduce shifts finishing at 4.45pm and 6pm.
Any changes would be introduced from April next year in a bid to make savings for the council, which had to make £40 million in cuts this year.
John Boland, Unite regional officer, said: “We have seen what has happened in Angus when they tried to make this change and if necessary the same thing will happen in Aberdeen.
“We will go through the consultation process but ultimately, if it’s not something that’s acceptable, then we will take further action.”
A council spokesman said: “The waste and recycling service has recently begun a project to review potential alternative shift patterns and ways of working for waste and recycling collection services.
“A staff briefing was held recently to provide information and advise those staff who may be directly affected.
“A 12-week informal consultation is now under way to provide staff with the opportunity to provide feedback on potential options or offer any suggestions they may have that meet with project objectives.
“No final decision has been made on the proposals.”
