Pressure on refuse staff
I find the £140,000 salary paid to Alison Fraser, as reported in the Express & Star on September 13, extremely offensive and upsetting, particularly when Sandwell Council's refuse employees are expected to live on next to nothing.
At the moment there are a number of us who, due to the change over from weekly to monthly pay, are suffering extreme financial hardship. This in turn causes stress, difficulties at home, and increased sickness levels. For example, if a man has no money how is he to report for work? It's as simple as that!
The changeover in itself seemed to be rushed through, giving my colleagues little or no opportunity for thought of our rights to refuse. No compensation was offered, which would usually have been the correct way to deal with such a situation. Instead a loan arrangement was offered, indicating that Sandwell Council knew hardship would or could occur.
Due to these factors the quality of the service in the refuse section is declining.
I believe wages should reflect the work that a person does. My brothers and I at the refuse section are under immense pressure, both mentally and physically; and it's time the world was informed.
We are being worked into the ground with little or on appreciation or understanding from anyone, least of all our own management.
Mrs Fraser I would very much welcome a reply to this letter.
Arthur Turley, Astbury Avenue, Smethwick.
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