Rotherham Council braced for pensions strike

Among the services due to be affected by the action, which is in protest at Government cuts to pensions, are bin collections, day centres and housing services.

A council spokesman said that the main Council Switchboard—01709 382121—would be open to give advice in emergencies during the strike next Wednesday.

Rotherham’s indoor market will operate as normal, but the scheduled monthly Farmers’ Market and the outdoor market have been cancelled.

Council house tenants are are being asked not to contact the council for repairs and maintenance on Wednesday except in emergencies immediately affecting health and safety when they can call 01709 336009.

Black bin collections scheduled for November 30 will be carried out by 7am on the day before the planned action to minimise disruption.

Green bin collections are additionally suspended for November 29 and, along with blue boxes and bags, will be collected on the next scheduled collection day.

Household Waste Recycling Centres will be open as normal.

Martin Kimber, chief executive of Rotherham Borough Council, said the authority recognised employees’ right to take action.

The council was working closely with trade union representatives to ensure that the disruption was kept to a minimum.

He added: “Discussions are currently taking place with local branch representatives to identify the emergency operations and levels of cover required to help ensure that essential services to vulnerable clients are maintained in Social Services, Housing and Highways.

“However, inevitably, the public should be aware that there could potentially be disruption to services during the day.”

For all the latest information about service disruptions, visit www.rotherham.gov.uk/strike.

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