Did Christmas party at bin depot lead to disruption in services?

A whistleblower alleges the party was held just before Christmas, against government guidelines, at a canteen in the Technical Services Depot in Carn.

The whistleblower claims this led to a ‘severe disruption’ to bin collections and other services in the weeks after Christmas as so many staff were off either sick or self-isolating.

Speaking to the Portadown Times, the worker said the party was attended mostly by those in management and was held in the larger of two staff canteens at the depot.

The whistleblower claims a smaller canteen, normally used by management, was not used and the larger canteen, normally used by binmen and women and other technical services staff, was shut to them on the day of the party.

“A sign was placed on the door of the workers’ canteen banning them from entry.

“Most of the ordinary staff who would use it had to sit and have their lunch in their cars or lorries while management attended the party,” said the whistleblower.

“There were around 21 at it, and that canteen is not very big and certainly not big enough for those there to practice social distancing.”

It is understood food for this Christmas Party was supplied by a local catering company.

The whistleblower further added that many of those who attended that party had either tested positive for COVID-19 or had to self isolate.

“This meant that the depot almost ground to a halt in the weeks after Christmas as so few staff were there to run it,” said the whistleblower.

“The place was at a standstill. It is a disgrace. They should be held to account.”

It is understood that a meeting of the Environmental Services Committee was held to discuss the matter but this was not open to the public or the press.

The whistleblower further claimed that, since Christmas, the equivalent of around three full crews in the Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon areas have been self-isolating.

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council was asked on several occasions over the past two weeks for a comment on these claims and about the disruption to bin collections in the borough.

However, the council has refused to respond.

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