Why thousands of Sydney bins are going uncollected today

Tens of thousands of bins across Sydney and Canberra have been left uncollected today as waste management workers begin strikes in hopes of securing better conditions.

The strike means that bins will be uncollected in a number of areas, from the CBD to Randwick, Silverwater and Erskine Park, where the workers are currently rallying at a Cleanaway facility. The action will impact both residential and commercial waste collection, and will affect supermarkets, council buildings, hospitals, medical facilities and suburban houses alike.

The Transport Workers' Union (TWU) has said workers are being treated horrifically as employers try to strip away rights and increase the demands on a workforce already stretched thin by staff shortages.

"In the City of Sydney there are some 35,000 bins not being collected today in a show of unity and strength by all members on the contract," TWU NSW Secretary Richard Olsen said, per Newscorp.

"They're joined by members from Randwick Council - there are well over 20,000 bins not being collected there."

"Waste worker shortages have put enormous pressure on workers to work faster and longer, while Cleanaway's attempts to worsen conditions will only add to dangerous pressure on workers to rush and drive tired through suburban streets."

"Put simply, they're seeking a rollover of their conditions and improvement in their wages. Not much to ask when the cost of living is going through the roof."

The TWU has advised residents and businesses of the affected LGAs that their outstanding waste would still be collected in the coming days.

Cleanaway has already issued a statement in response to the industrial action, supporting the workers' right to strike and claiming to have negotiations underway.

Cleanaway supports the rights of our employees to undertake protected industrial action as part of the enterprise bargaining process. Cleanaway has been negotiating with our employees to achieve a fair and reasonable enterprise agreement for all parties.

Cleanaway entered into bargaining with the TWU in good faith to ensure our employees receive the most fair and reasonable agreement.

‍