Missed bin pickups in hundreds of Christchurch streets as industry deals with rubbish truck driver shortage
A shortage of wheelie bin truck drivers meant residents in 377 Christchurch streets had their bins missed during a single month.
Meanwhile, a union representative says the wheelie bin collection industry was struggling to find workers nationwide because rubbish truck drivers are put off by 60-hour work weeks.
The Christchurch City Council's rubbish collecting contractor, Waste Management NZ, is set a target of missing just 1.5 streets each working day. In April, the average number of streets missed was 17.1.
Were your wheelie bins missed recently? Share your experience in the comments below.
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What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Christmas tour
My plans have changed and I am looking for a short tour over the Christmas period any suggestions?