Leading councillors have distanced themselves in a row over Medway Council's waste contractor derecognising a trade union.

Bin collections in the Towns are up 40% since lockdown started but social distancing rules led to a disagreement relating to safe-working arrangements for binmen between Medway Norse and Unite.

The matter was raised by Labour councillors at last night's (Thursday) first live streamed full council meeting – 12 councillors were present, five Conservative, five Labour, independent Cllr Steve Iles and the mayor Habib Tejan.

Opposition leader Cllr Vince Maple and shadow portfolio holder for housing and community services Andy Stamp quizzed the Tory-led administration about whether it would intervene to resolve the situation.

Medway Council has a 50% stake in Medway Norse, which is a privately-run company and is contracted to carry out waste disposal and land management duties in the Towns.

Cllr Maple branded the handling of the situation by Norse as "unacceptable" and urged for the company to set up a meeting with Unite bosses, something later echoed by Cllr Stamp.

"Decrecognising with immediate effect is unacceptable let alone at a time of national crisis," Cllr Maple said.

Cllr Stamp thanked Norse workers for going "above and beyond to collect our refuse, recycling and garden waste in ever greater volumes".

He said the council had a responsibility to make sure Norse is "implementing safe working practices to protect workers".

"I'm concerned that at the leader's insistence the contract is followed to the letter," Cllr Stamp told the meeting.

"Weekly collections could be actively jeapordising the health, safety and wellbeing of employees.

"I'm deeply disappointed at the council's unwillingness to intervene in Norse's unprecedented decision to derecognise the Unite union.

"This will damage the council's reputation in the local government family, stakeholders and members of the public at a time when even the government has recognised the role trade unions are playing in the pandemic."

Council leader Alan Jarrett and Conservative cabinet members Rupert Turpin – a Medway Norse director – Adrian Gulvin and Phil Filmer all praised Norse staff for carrying out their duties and keeping a key service running for Medway residents.

Waste disposal has increased by 80% for organic waste and there were 40% more waste collections from Medway doorsteps, the meeting heard.

Cllr Jarrett said: "I don't want to comment on it. He [Cllr Maple] said it was unacceptable but what it is, is a wildcat strike in national emergency on a key public service.

"I expect the contractor to continue to deliver that service, and they are – in spades"

"It's a private company delivering an excellent service and for the Labour group to repeat the union line of going to two or three weekly collections – a huge diminution of service – and criticise me for one of the finest services in the country to be maintained, is a bit rich.

"I expect the contractor to continue to deliver that service, and they are – in spades."

Responding to a question from Cllr Naushabah Khan (Lab), the leader added: "We work with and recognise a number of trade unions.

"That is an approach we find appropriate for this organisation. As far as other councils and organisations, it is for them to decide and not for us to intercede in."

Cllr Filmer added: "Safety of our key workers is of paramount importance.

"I'm advised all possible actions have been taken in line with [industry] guidance including provision of PPE, handwashing facilities, social distancing at depots, daily cleaning of cabs and the option to reduce the crew numbers.

"Our collectors are a credit to Medway Council and the community as a whole."

Norse was criticised by the union last month over claims it had not provided adequate levels of protection for employees.

These were dismissed by Norse bosses which said it had fully adhered to health and safety guidelines for the waste industry and had a range of workplace safety measures in place.

Unite had threatened strike action if they were not satisfied with Norse implementing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE).

A petition with more than 1,500 signatures has also been submitted to the council urging it to ensure Norse "fully implements social distancing measures and PPE" and to restore the relationship between Norse and Unite for the union to be officially recognised again.

Cllr Maple said the number of signatures "shows the strength of feeling from the public".

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