As Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy, health officials have admitted the Edinburgh bin strike presents a risk to public Health’.
Public Health Scotland warned that bin strikes could put people at risk. They can lead to food, animal waste from food or excrement and human waste such as nappies.
To reduce health risks, they also suggested that councils ‘decontaminate’ overflowing garbage cans located in public spaces.
Workers who are receptive to refuse strike from August 18 through August 30, and will target the Scottish capital during Fringe Festival.
The strike by Edinburgh’s refuse workers is from August 18-30. It has led to rubbish piles in Edinburgh. Pictured: Wheelie bins donated by Disaster Relief Team join overflowing garbage bins at the Grassmarket.
Public Health Scotland warned that bin strikes could put people at risk. They can lead to food, animal waste from food or excrement and human waste such as nappies. Image: Queensferry’s Forth Bridge.
Public Health Scotland advised councils to “decontaminate” overflowing trash bins in public places to decrease the danger to health. Imaged yesterday: Bins found in Edinburgh’s Calton, just off Leith Walk
Now they are more than halfway through their ’embarrassing of an international scale’ strike, which has seen bins overflowing across the entire city.
John Swinney, Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy admitted that the rubbish piles are ‘deeply concerning’ because the city is soiled.
Mr Swinney said: ‘I think the condition of the city of Edinburgh just now is deeply concerning on a host of levels, not least in relation to public health.
John Swinney (Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy) admitted that rubbish heaps in the city are a ‘deeply concerning’ issue.
“So, I recognize the importance of this issue. That is why I want the industrial action to be resolved. However, I’d prefer that it did not spread to other areas of the country.
He went on to insist the government are doing ‘all they can within the resources available’, including providing £140million to council to help fund a deal.
Miles Briggs, a Conservative spokesperson for local government, said that the strike was caused by Nicola Sturgeon’s underfunding local councils and taking money away from vital services since she came to power.
He stated that the SNP had been defunding local councils since their election, and they were taking money away from vital services. Yet they claim to have the power to ignore responsibility.
“In the middle summer, when the Edinburgh Festival is in full swing and tourists are visiting all parts of the country in droves, the SNP’s inaction or deflection risk embarrassing us on a global scale.”
Following the failure to reach a resolution on Thursday’s talks, workers from another 20 areas of council have joined the strike.
The unions rejected an earlier week wage hike of 5%, calling it “insulting”.
Wendy Dunsmore, from the union Unite, said it needed to match the £1,925 rise given to government workers in other parts of the UK.
Edinburgh residents have had to put rubbish in their baths and pay £200 for skips to help them get rid of their rubbish.
Helen Sikora, 87, from the Old Town in Edinburgh, told The BBC that she has had to start putting her rubbish in her own bath.
According to her, “I was the one who came up with this idea. It’s safest for me to dispose of rubbish.” My bath can be cleaned easily if the water leaks. My shower is not used because I go to the nearby health club to swim every day.
“It’s disgusting that I go out to shop now, and there’s so much rubbish on the roads.
I don’t collect a lot, but it’s been six days since this was in my bath. It’s going be a serious health risk soon.
The rubbish pile can be so big that it extends 100ft down Montgomery Street in Edinburgh.
Ms. Sturgeon claimed that there is no ‘bottomless pit’ of money available to help resolve the dispute.
Helen Sikora (pictured), aged 87, said she’s been taking her garbage to the bathroom for over a week
Following Thursday’s failed talks, workers in 20 more council areas are joining the strike. Pictured: Castlehill is home to overflowing trash bins. It’s just one block from Edinburgh Castle.
The unions rejected an earlier week five-percent wage hike, calling it ‘insulting. A picket line is seen outside Bankhead’s waste collection and cleaning depot.
Wendy Dunsmore, from the union Unite, said it needed to match the £1,925 rise given to government workers in other parts of the UK
Yesterday, a 100ft-long line of garbage and bins was seen near Leith Walk in Edinburgh’s Calton.
On August 24, Rubbish sat on top of a trash bin in the vicinity Edinburgh castle. Now, the strikers have been in action for ten days.
Others cities were also hit by the strikes. These are the overflowing bins in Glasgow’s Buchanan Street
Ms. Sturgeon claimed that there is no ‘bottomless pit’ of money for the government to solve the problem. Today, there is still more trash in the city.
As Edinburgh hosts the Fringe Festival, the rubbish piles high up in Edinburgh have been an “international embarrassment”. Photo: An Edinburgh bin on August 23, 2013.
After workers received a 3.5% raise, the strike began in Edinburgh. This is lower than what English refuse collectors receive.
As Unite Union members continue to strike for the bins, workers were seen parking their bin trucks in a depot.