TV. Y. Rubbish Piles Up

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31597, 7 February 1968, Page 13

TV. Y. Rubbish Piles Up

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, Feb. 6, New York today faced a health hazard of epidemic proportions as piles of refuse left lying on city pavements by striking dustmen accumulated at an estimated 10,000 tons a day.

The Mayor, Mr John Lindsay, last night ordered hospital employees to remove the refuse themselves, promising police protection if necessary. More than 70 hospitals are affected.

But a spokesman for the Hospital Workers’ Union said its members would honour the dustmen’s pickets and re-

fuse to move the rubbish. By early today there was no sign of any union reaction to yesterday’s Supreme Court injunction ordering the 10,000 rubbish collectors to end their strike, now entering its fifth day. The overflowing bins in the streets and courtyards of buildings have attracted stray dogs and cats and health officials fear an invasion of rats if the refuse is not collected soon. The rubbish also poses a serious fire hazard. Residential districts, especially rlums, have been worst hit by the strike. Most big blocks of flats dispose of rubbish by incineration, and most business houses, especially restaurants, employ private garbage collectors. .

After a tour of the dirt laden streets yeterday, Mr Lindsay said there was a “very serious hazard to health.” “It could become critical,” he said. Granting the court injunction under a State law barring strikes by public employees, Judge Saul Streit said the stoppage was not really a strike, "... It is blackmail and extortion." Under the law, union officials could face 15 days in gaol, and a fine of up $lO,OOO a day if they fail to obey the injunction. The dustmen are demanding a $6OO a year increase on present wages ranging up to $BOOO. This would make them higher paid than police and firemen income grades.