ROADS could be left covered in rubbish during the Olympics if bin collectors and street cleaners act on their threat to strike.
People are outraged at the news that their binbags will be left to be ripped open by foxes and their streets left uncleaned during London 2012, if workers from street services company Kier strike over an alleged cut in their overtime pay.
The company has reportedly been awarded an £800,000 contract for street cleaning and park maintenance during the Games despite being fined nearly £50,000 by Waltham Forest Council for poor performance since it started collecting the borough's rubbish last autumn.
Antlers Hill resident Brian Ward's rubbish was not collected for a month until last week, and he fears the problem will only worsen if the strike occurs.
"It would be terrible," said the 76-year-old. "We don't want rubbish strewn all over our streets but it looks like it could happen.
"They seem to be getting away with murder as despite our complaints they keep getting more money from the council."
Neighbour Steph Windsor was forced to pile binbags up in her kitchen in March after a month of missed collections, and said the strike should act as a wake up call for the council.
"As bad as it will be we need something to go wrong like this so hopefully the council sees how ridiculous the service is," the 53-year-old said.
Unions Unite and GMB could hold an official strike ballot early next week after 80 members gave their unanimous support in an informal vote last week.
Tommy Anderson, chair of Unite for Kier workers, said 91 agency staff Kier wants to draft in for the Olympic contract will not have time to be CRB (criminal record) checked.
He added: "These staff will be doing things like working in parks around children.
"How are parents going to feel knowing they could be criminals or paedophiles, for all Kier knows?"
Jan Barrett, 72, of Hawkwood Crescent, said: "It's absolutely disgusting. It's a joke. They will be looking after our parks during the summer holidays when children will be there playing. No-one will feel safe."
A Kier spokeswoman would not confirm or deny the claims when the Guardian asked last week.
But she said in a statement: "No overtime has been cut. Agreements are in place with the unions to pay staff premiums during the Olympic period to cover revised working patterns.
"Appropriate health and safety training is provided to all staff working on the contract.
"Kier can only CRB check staff whose role dictates a requirement by law for CRB checks.
"We are not legally able to blanket CRB check all staff.
"In terms of employee complaints, from time to time, as in all companies, matters do get reported, and these are dealt with via our internal grievance procedures."
She added: "Contingency plans are built in to the way we run our business. In the event of a strike, Kier will continue to provide a full service to Waltham Forest Council with minimal disruption."
"We have been working closely with our dedicated temporary agency provider for some time to ensure sufficient resources are available during the Olympic period.
"All our preparations for the Olympics are planned and on track."
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