Aberdeen’s bin workers could strike over proposed changes which could leave them collecting rubbish until nearly 10pm.
Aberdeen City Council revealed plans to shake-up the working hours of refuse collectors in a desperate move to cut costs.
Bosses believe they could save £160,000 by bringing in an early shift, starting at 6am, or a late shift, finishing at 9.48pm.
It was previously reported that, if the new shifts are put in place, workers would be given head torches and lorries would be fitted with more lights to allow them to work through the dark.
Another option outlined to staff was a plan to work five weekends in a row.
An informal consultation between staff and council bosses is now under way.
But refuse collectors have unanimously agreed to endorse any industrial action, including strikes, should the council’s final proposals be deemed “unacceptable”.
Last night, a leading union leader said staff were concerned for their safety by working so late, but were worried the local authority would “railroad” through the changes to save cash.
Refuse workers in Angus took strike action over a move to introduce a similar shift pattern earlier this year.
At the moment, the city’s refuse workers do a 7am to 3pm shift Monday to Friday. They also currently have the option to choose to work overtime at weekends.
Unite north-east regional representative John Boland said: “There are concerns that the council will railroad the changes through no matter what.
“Our members are rightly concerned that their working shifts could be changed, and that they could be forced to work until nearly 10pm collecting refuse.
“We hope Aberdeen City Council will listen to our member’s concerns and their proposals seriously, as from the result of the consultative ballot, we run we can see that our members feel very strongly about these proposed changes.”
A council spokeswoman said: “The waste and recycling service is undertaking a project to review potential alternative working patterns. A staff briefing was held to provide information and advise those staff who may be directly affected.
“A 12-week informal consultation is currently underway to provide staff with the opportunity to provide feedback on potential options or offer any suggestions they may have that meet with project objectives.
“The council has also been engaging with the trade unions throughout this process.”
