Climate activists join Glasgow refuse workers during Cop26 bin strikes
Demonstrators took to the streets with around 60 cleansing staff.
Last updated 11th Nov 2021
Climate activists joined striking refuse workers during the third day of industrial action during the Cop26 summit in Glasgow this morning.
Demonstrators took to the streets with around 60 cleansing workers, just streets away from the climate conference venue at the SEC.
Extinction Rebellion protesters took to the western depot picket line in Kelvinhaugh Street as GMB Scotland members continued their campaign for better pay.
A total of 970 binmen, lorry drivers and street cleaners across Glasgow have walked out in a pay row with council body COSLA.
GMB Scotland members walked out one minute past midnight on Monday morning as thousands of delegates descended on the city for crunch climate talks.
Sean Baillie, the union's organiser, said: "We are delighted Cop26 climate campaigners and fellow trade unionists from across the world are standing with us to support our strike - the camaraderie and solidarity is growing by the day.
"The council and the government need to realise that if we want cleaner communities and sustainable services, then we must invest in the green jobs we need and the workers who deliver them."
It comes after Glasgow City Council confirmed it has no plans to bring in a private contractor to collect bins while the strike action continues.
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Sara Shaw, climate justice and energy programme co-coordinator for Friends of the Earth International, said: "We are proud to stand alongside workers fighting for fair pay and decent working conditions.
"Refuse workers in Glasgow are demonstrating the power we must build everywhere to tackle the climate crisis at its roots."
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "Climate justice and social justice go hand in hand.
"While Glasgow hosts the climate summit, the key workers who keep Glasgow clean are not getting the fair pay and conditions they deserve."
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