THE THREAT of rotting bin bags lining the streets of Hounslow continues to loom large after angry rubbish collectors refused to rule out industrial action.
Peter Denman, Unite's industrial organiser for west London, claimed workers were still fuming over the council's decision to privatise its kerb-side collection service.
He said union members would meet shortly to discuss the possibility of going on strike, a move he claimed was 'inevitable' if the service goes downhill once the new contractor takes over.
Hounslow Council is due to appoint a private firm to manage its refuse and recycling service later this year.
The council's in-house refuse team prepared a joint bid with a private recycling firm, only to be ruled out of the running earlyon.
A council spokeswoman insisted it was determined to get the best value deal for residents and said the in-house team had been de-selected along with a number of potential candidates.
However, Mr Denman claimed the Tory-led administration was 'trying to privatise every-thing that moves'.
"All we're asking for is a level playing field but our members are extremely angry because they feel they're being denied that," he added.
