Trade unions demand 150 new Glasgow refuse collectors for Commonwealth Games

Opposition councillors are meeting cleansing staff in Glasgow later to talk about tidying up the city in time for the Commonwealth Games in 2026.

They're asking for more money from the Scottish Government to employ 150 more refuse collectors.

Chris Mitchell from GMB Scotland said: "I think this is a realistic ask and this is an opportunity to get business back to the city.

"We have a great culture here and we don't want people from all over the world seeing full of rats and rubbish on the streets.

"We have one year to deep clean this place and I don't want my members being redirected to the places where cameras are filming during the games leaving the rest of the place in disarray."

The GMB union has the backing of the Glasgow Labour group as well as the two serving Conservative councillors across the city.

The SNP group is refusing to attend today's meeting at the City Chambers.

A spokesman for the city council said: “Glasgow has fantastic track record at delivering major events and event organisers are always full of praise for the city.

“We are engaging with the event organisers for 2026 and any further plans will be developed in conjunction with them.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “As the event organiser, Commonwealth Games Scotland is working with Glasgow City Council to identify the necessary work and budget to support the city’s preparations for hosting the Games in 2026.

“In 2024-25, Glasgow City Council will receive over £1.6 billion to fund local services, which equates to an extra £74.9 million to support vital day to day services or an additional 4.9% compared to the 2023-24 budget.

“New Visitor Levy powers also give councils - following consultation - the opportunity to raise additional funds to invest in local facilities and services largely used by visitors.”

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