Refuse strike feared as talks collapse

FEARS are growing of a refuse strike in Waterford city just weeks before the arrival of the Tall Ships’ Race, after talks between city council officials and maintenance staff broke down last night.

Labour Relations Commission talks between senior officials at the City Council and negotiators with trade union SIPTU broke down yesterday afternoon. Several of the issues raised have now been referred to the Labour Court.

Union negotiator Davy Lane said maintenance staff with the local authority had a number of grievances which they were trying to resolve with the employers.