Trade unions set to stage protests over Glasgow 'cleansing crisis'

Members of two Glasgow trade unions are set to join forces to stage a day of protests to challenge the City Council’s response to the “cleansing crisis”.

GMB branch 40 say they are working with Living Rent to “push” the council into investing more in the cleansing services for the city and are planning a day of action very soon.

It comes after the council leader councillor Susan Aitken made comments on BBC Scotland’s The Nine, about the amount of graffiti near the SEC Centre which is expected to host Cop26 in November.

In recent months there have been growing complaints over rat infestations and anger over rubbish and fly-tipping on Glasgow’s streets despite the council’s street cleaning budget sitting at £18m and employment of 598 refuse collectors this financial year.

The GMB has also urged the city council to work with them and not against them to tackle the problem.

Convener Chris Mitchel explained: “We had a public meeting last week which was very well attended by a number of citizens who are totally behind the campaign that Glasgow deserves better.

“We have had enough of the council denying there is a crisis. The public, the workforce and the GMB alongside Living Rent are now standing together. We are demanding action now from the Scottish Government and Glasgow City Council.

“You only need to look at the comments last week again from the council leader on the BBC’s The Nine show. Referring to a wee ned with a spray can is totally unacceptable and has caused a lot of anger in Glasgow.”

Glasgow City Council was asked to comment on the situation. The council has previously said it welcomed reports from the public as the information they provide helps them tailor our services to the needs of Glasgow citizens.