Union threatens strike over telematics and outsourcing

Workers at a local authority’s construction services team are being balloted over potential strike action over vehicle-tracking policies and the potential outsourcing of services.

Unite has launched a consultative ballot among members at Dundee City Council over what it described as “serious concerns”.

A consultative ballot is a non-binding survey gauging whether members would be interested in taking industrial action.

Unite industrial officer Bob MacGregor said: “We are asking our members whether they would be prepared to take action over a number of serious concerns we have over outsourcing, the telematics policy which essentially tracks the movement of workers, and issues relating to the grievance procedures and the behaviour of management.

“We continue to engage with the council but they have been told in no uncertain terms that unless the concerns of our members are swiftly addressed then moving to a strike ballot will be inevitable.”

Telematics systems typically monitor the operations of vehicles and plant, and can keep tabs on things such as routes, mileage, idling and fuel use.

The Evening Telegraph newspaper reported that the union told members it believes Dundee council management has not provided a safe working environment because it has failed to address allegations of bullying in a timely manner and accused management of fostering a culture of bullying through their inaction.

Dundee Council has been approached for comment.

Its spokesperson told the Evening Telegraph: “We are aware of this situation and continue to engage constructively with trade unions on all matters raised.

“Dundee City Council is actively engaging with council staff regarding any matters of concern that are brought to our attention.”

Last month, Costain chief executive Alex Vaughan told Construction News that using telematics on hired plant on HS2 had helped reduce inefficiencies.

“We were able to improve productivity by 40 per cent by managing lorry movements to suit excavators and plant routes,” he said.

“The prize for me is thinking time. If you give people live data and remove some of the admin, they make better decisions. That’s how you improve predictability.”