THE Carmarthenshire County UNISON Branch Committee has issued a stern open letter to the councillors of Carmarthenshire County Council, expressing strong opposition to the council’s proposed Waste Strategy Blueprint implementation plan. The plan, which was presented to the council cabinet on 29th July 2024, has drawn significant concern from UNISON, particularly regarding its impact on refuse workers.

In their letter, the UNISON Branch Committee, led by Branch Secretary Debbie Gough, acknowledges the importance of recycling and supports the goal of achieving 100% recycling rates. However, the committee emphasises that this target is only realistic if the Welsh Labour Government provides adequate funding. The letter criticises the Plaid Cymru-led Carmarthenshire County Council for choosing to implement what the union views as detrimental cuts, rather than fighting against the financial constraints imposed by both the current UK government and the likely future Labour government under Keir Starmer.

The Waste Strategy Blueprint, as outlined in the council’s documentation, is an ambitious plan aimed at aligning with the Welsh Government’s environmental goals, particularly the “Beyond Recycling” strategy. This strategy sets forth a vision for a zero-waste Wales by 2050, with a focus on increasing recycling rates, reducing carbon emissions, and improving resource efficiency. The Blueprint proposes significant changes to Carmarthenshire’s waste management infrastructure, including the development of a centralised waste depot.

A central point of contention is the council’s decision to pursue the development of this centralised depot, known as Option 2. According to the union, this decision was made without genuine consultation with the workforce, despite management’s claims to the contrary. The letter alleges that the decision to centralise operations was predetermined, rendering the consultation process a “shambolic” exercise that falsely suggested that employees’ views were being considered.

The Blueprint’s proposal for the centralised depot is rooted in the need to modernise the county’s waste management system, which the council argues will increase efficiency and help meet the stringent recycling targets set by the Welsh Government. The council’s summary document highlights that the centralised depot is seen as essential for reducing the carbon footprint of waste collection operations and optimising the use of resources. However, UNISON argues that this efficiency will come at the cost of refuse workers, who will bear the brunt of increased travel times and potential additional costs.

UNISON’s letter also questions the thoroughness of the council’s analysis, suggesting that alternative options, such as extending or relocating existing depots, were not seriously considered. The union highlights that the Welsh Government’s funding for the waste strategy was contingent on the establishment of a centralised depot, raising concerns that the council did not genuinely explore other viable options.

The union warns that the centralised depot, if implemented, will have a negative financial impact on many refuse workers. The additional travel costs and time, combined with a proposed four-day working week, are expected to exacerbate existing grievances within the workforce. UNISON also highlights the lack of communication regarding so-called “mitigation strategies” for staff affected by these changes.

In the letter, Gough criticises the council’s approach to staff welfare, arguing that the real motivation behind the centralised depot is to extract more work from an already aggrieved workforce. The union expresses a deep mistrust of refuse management, based on what they describe as a history of poor treatment of workers and a lack of transparency.

Furthermore, the union raises serious concerns about the safety of the proposed depot location at Nant Y Caws, particularly regarding the entrance on the A48, which they describe as dangerous for both vehicles and the public. They advocate for the implementation of slip roads as the only safe solution.

UNISON also opposes other elements of the waste strategy, including the proposed four-weekly residual waste collection frequency and the reduction of bring sites. These measures, the union argues, represent further cuts to public services disguised as strategic improvements.

The council, in its Blueprint, argues that these changes, including the reduction in the frequency of waste collection, are necessary steps to align with broader environmental goals. The strategy outlines that reducing residual waste collection is intended to encourage residents to recycle more and reduce waste production, aligning with the national move towards a circular economy. However, UNISON contends that these changes are effectively service cuts that place an undue burden on both workers and the public.

In conclusion, the UNISON Branch Committee reaffirms its opposition to the centralised depot, warning that imposing such changes will be met with resistance from the union and its members. The letter calls on the council to recognise the value of its workforce and to reconsider the strategy in a way that genuinely supports both the environment and the employees tasked with achieving these goals.

The letter, signed by Debbie Gough on behalf of the Carmarthenshire County UNISON Branch Committee, reflects a growing tension between the council and its workforce, signalling potential industrial action if the concerns raised are not addressed.