Serco accused of ‘bullying, threats and dangerous working practices’ in Sandwell

Outsourced service provider Serco has been accused of bullying, issuing threats to workers and neglecting health and safety issues in Sandwell.

A strike by members of the GMB union is looming after it said its members at the firm were taking part in a consultative ballot that could lead to strike action.

The union said that reports of “bullying, dangerous work practices and threats from management” have forced it to submit a dispute after concerns were “ignored for months”.

Dozens of workers could vote for strike action, says the union.

Serco provides waste collection services for Sandwell Council. Last year it was forced to perform a u-turn on after removing two bin lorries and handing the work to existing crews. The Unite union raised concerns which resulted in residents taking to social media to complain about their bins not being collected. Serco eventually relented and reinstated the two rounds.

Justine Jones, GMB regional organiser, said: “Morale at Sandwell Serco is now at an all-time low due to threats and bad management practices which is causing real suffering to the working families of Sandwell.

“Our members have worked tirelessly throughout lockdown to provide a good service for Sandwell residents only to be continually kicked to the gutter by management.

“Union workers will not be bullied, threatened or forced to carry out poor working practices by managers unable to run their own business effectively.

“Now our members are taking back power in the workplace, and we are standing strong together.”

A Serco spokesperson told TheBusinessDesk.com: “We recognise the work of our team delivering an important service for the residents of Sandwell during the pandemic. The decision by the union to hold a ballot is disappointing but we are in continuing dialogue with the GMB and will continue to discuss their concerns.”