REFUSE SERVICE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21945, 13 February 1946, Page 7

REFUSE SERVICE

CO-OPERATION NEEDED COMPLAINTS OF EMPLOYEES “A little co-operation will so a long way towards relieving the burden of the refuse collectors." the sanitation committee of the Gisborne Borough Council is of the opinion, in reporting to the council last night or; having met representatives of the Drivers’ Union and borough employees to discuss conditions under which refuse collectors are employed. The employees complained of the accumulation of refuse after a holiday period; the size and weight of cans to be lifted: the stench emanating from many rubbish cans; and the inadequate remuneration for the unhealthy and objectionable nature of their work. Under the local body drivers’ award the council’s refuse collectors come under the classification of “one-horse drivers.” but no provision is made in the award for extra payment for dirty work.

Prior to the recent pronouncement of the Arbitration Court increasing award rates by 3Jd an hour, the council was paying its collectors an additional 6s per week, but with the making of a new award the council was prevented from paying above the award rates unless with the approval of the wages commissioner. Objectionable Work Tire committee appreciated the objectionable nature of the work of household refuse collection, and recommended that application be made to the wages commissioner for authority to increase the award rate by 2s 6d per day as from April 1, 1943, the date of coming Into force of the new award. Regarding tne accumulation of rubbish after a holiday, the town clerk, Mr. W. M. Jenkins, was instructed to confer with the sanitary inspector, depot foreman and the collectors, with a view to overcoming the difficulties encountered, consideration to be given to the suggestion that an extra cart be used after a holiday. The question of the size of householders’ bins varying in size from kerosene tins to 40-gallon drums was referred to the sanitary inspector to see that householders comply with the bylaws in respect to the size and type of rubbish receptacles. The committee desired to impress on residents to refrain from depositing liquid matter in rubbish receptacles, it being an offence against the by-laws to do so, and waste food which was likely to become objectionable could quite easily be buried, as was done by many thoughtful householders. The recommendations were adopted by the full council.