REFUSE collectors in Harlow are considering industrial action against their employers after holding an emergency meeting in Harlow this afternoon (Thursday).

The meeting comes following persistent allegations of bullying and harassment in the workplace.

Harlow residents will be aware that there were considerable delays in the collection of refuse over the Christmas and New Year period.

For weeks, there had been rumours that all was not well with the employees and Veoila, who deliver the refuse contract in Harlow.

The deputy leader of the Harlow Conservatives, cllr Joel Charles made direct reference to it in an interview a few weeks ago.

Last Friday, YH interviewed the portfolio holder for waste, cllr Danny Purton. In that interview, we asked him “Is there some form of problem with the manpower, with Veoila, something one wrong with communication or unhappy work place practices that people should know about?”

Cllr Purton replied: “No”.

On Thursday afternoon, dozens of Harlow refuse collectors gathered at the Latton Bush Centre for a meeting with their union delegates, Unison.

We spoke to one of the Harlow employees, Christian Groves about what had driven the bin men and owner to this point.