Workers at a city recycling unit should be given temporary accommodation until a new depot can be built, Union bosses have argued, saying the existing centre is "falling apart".
Last week the Queenslie Depot in Polmadie was closed to all vehicles as a result of a power cut. The issue has since been resolved but staff have complained about holes in the roof letting in rain water, which regularly trips the electrics. There have also been concerns raised about toilets facilities and heating at the depot.
Glasgow City Council confirmed that power has been restored and said that the staff quarters remain “fit for purpose”.
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But Glasgow’s GMB trade union convenor Chris Mitchell said there were long-term issues with maintenance.
And he said that with the new site being developed at Queenslie possibly five years away from opening, further measures must be taken to protect the health and safety of workers.
He said: “The depot is falling apart. There is going to be a brand new site built in Queenslie in the next five years with a recycling plant. It will be like a super depot because of the access to the motorway. But the current one is in disrepair and is badly damaged.
“It’s 40 years old, the toilets are vile and there are holes in the roof which means the water pees in through the roof when it rains in the winter. Food waste buckets are being used to try and catch the water but the electricity continues to trip all the time which means it is constantly freezing.
“It is not a good place to be in the morning to get ready or have your dinner. I think the council should bring in some sort of unit.
“We can’t have people sitting in those conditions for the next four or five years while they wait for this new depot to be developed. There still needs to be a place where workers can go and be comfortable regardless of whether it's next year or next week.
“There are 140 workers there including environmental health. It’s great that the council is going to develop a new facility but there should be something where there is adequate heating and washing facilities.”
Glasgow City Council says that they are committed to developing a new facility at Queenslie and plans are being developed.
A spokesman for the council said: “Power has been restored at our Queenslie depot and the facility, which includes the household waste and recycling centre, is operating as normal.
“We will continue to monitor and maintain the depot’s power supply on an on-going basis.
“Staff quarters at the depot are also maintained on an on-going basis and remain fit for purpose.
“We are fully committed to creating a modern waste management facility at Queenslie and plans are currently under development.”
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