Caw park resident applauds refuse collection teams

Jim Tinneny said he had been concerned to learn that his usual team of bin men were being split up, not least because of the brilliant service they had provided over the past decade and more.

“Last week I was told that I wouldn’t be seeing them again after the end of this month. I just don’t understand the rationale involved. These men have provided us with a brilliant service. Caw Park is quite steep and can by treacherous in bad weather. Yet, each winter these men have managed to get their vehicle down our street in sometimes appalling conditions. They work hard in all weathers to deliver a first class service. I wonder if those taking this decision could last a week doing these men’s jobs?” Mr Tinneny said.

“I realise I only have half the story, but the bin man who told me was clearly upset as he has been working with the same driver for 12 years. To me a happy workforce is a productive workforce. Why was this decision taken and who took it? Where is the logic in splitting up teams that work well together and know their areas?”

Calling on the council to rethink their decision to change the service, he said: “It makes no sense to destroy the morale of men who do an invaluable job. I would like the council to revise their decision and work with the men instead of breaking up effective teams who know their patch. If these men are not happy then surely it is the council’s responsibility to make sure they are. Happy people do a better job.”

Derry City Council was contacted on Monday about the reshuffle of cleansing department staff and what, if any implications there might be for jobs locally, but no one was available to comment at the time of going to press.